Rottweiler attack reopens breed ban debate

AHMEDABAD: The recent horrific mauling of a four month-old baby by a pet rottweiler in a Hathijan society has reignited fears over “ferocious” dog breeds. It has also left responsible pet owners, animal welfare groups and housing societies divided — sparking calls for breed bans alongside demands for responsible ownership and better pet-friendly infrastructure.Breed experts have condemned the incident, but also point to underlying issues. Meanwhile, many owners have long reported discrimination by resident welfare associations (RWAs), some of which have imposed restrictions such as banning dogs from common areas, prohibiting walks inside societies, and refusing tenancy to pet owners.“This is not about blaming dogs, but about owning up to responsibilities,” said Richa Singh, founder of Bowsome Senior Dogs India Foundation. “Leash your dog in public, muzzle-train reactive dogs, and walk them during quiet hours to avoid triggers. Pet parents must lead by example — avoid confrontations and always be prepared.”Circular adds to anxietyThe debate over ‘dangerous breeds’ was already stirred by a circular issued in March 2024 by the department of animal husbandry and dairying under the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying, restricting owning, breeding and sale of over 25 “ferocious” breeds including rottweilers, pit bulls, and cane corsos that are “dangerous for human life”.It directs local authorities to deny licences and calls for sterilisation of existing pets of these breeds. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) data shows many such dogs are registered locally. An AMC official said, “The matter is still pending. We will follow whatever is the outcome.” Pet owners also complain about delays and glitches in the AMC’s pet registration system, complicating compliance.Breed or behaviour?Experts argue the proposed ban, which has been contested by bodies like the Indian National Kennel Club (INKC), unfairly targets breeds instead of addressing irresponsible ownership, the presence of an illegal network of backyard breeders, and dog fighters who raise certain breeds to be ferocious and scary.INKC president Phiroze Javeri says, “We are not happy with the dog bites and kills, but the responsibility should be put where it belongs. The Animal Welfare Board should have consulted experts before prejudging breeds as guilty. This isn’t about DNA, but training and care.”In light of the Hathijan incident, Javeri says, “In this case, it must be probed how the dog was trained.” He cites videos on social media showing trainers wearing attack training sleeves and instigating their dogs. “Such training is specialised, done by special handlers and for the right purpose, and not for house dogs. Hence, any breed, even the ones considered friendly, will become a problem when they come into wrong hands.”Lochen Kharawala, president of Ahmedabad Kennel Club and SPCA, criticised entirely banning certain dog groups. “The circular proposes banning all terriers, a breed that is small and not aggressive. This is a flawed approach. Every breed’s instinct is to be protective. The owner must train it well and be in control.”Veterinarian Dr Apoorva Gohil added, “There is breed ignorance among owners, which also triggers panic among those who fear dogs. Many owners buy large breeds to show off, feed them muscle supplements, and even train them for aggression. Without understanding breed traits, accidents happen.”Experts also say that prohibitions only push things underground. Banned breeds are more pursued, with acquirers willing to pay thrice the price, they say. “Also, many owners buy large breeds deemed dangerous from dogfighting rings in Punjab, where the dogs are intentionally trained for aggression,” Javeri said.Notices for Non-Registrations SoonAMC will issue notices to those who have not yet registered their dogs. The cattle nuisance control department has prepared a draft of the notice, which will be issued based on information and complaints received from citizens. If registration is not completed within a specified period after receiving the notice, penalties and disconnection of drainage and water connections are being considered. Following the Hathijan mauling, there has been an increase in registrations.Between Wednesday and Friday, 1,329 dogs were registered by 1,177 owners. From Jan 1 to May 16, a total of 6,877 dogs have been registered by 6,051 owners.