People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India, has urged UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Urban Development Minister, Arvind Kumar Sharma, to put a ban on illegal breeding, keeping and sale of dogs for fighting. Illegal pet breeders and shop should also be done with, PETA added.
The recent attacks revolved around an elderly woman being mauled to death by their pet dog in Lucknow, and a Meerut teenager being seriously wounded after a Pitbull attacked him.
Organised dogfights are prevalent in the northern region of the country where breeds like Pitbull are amongst the most abused. And thus, these steps are being taken in the best interests of both humans and the dogs that face cruelty at the hands of breeders, PETA said.
Following steps to sterilise, register pets
PETA has suggested a compulsory sterilisation and government registration of the prohibited breeds within a month of issuance of the directive. After the directive is issued, new such dog breeds will be prohibited from being sold, kept, and bred post a specified date.
“A prohibition on all breeds used for unlawful fighting would protect these dogs from being born only to face cruelty and suffering and protect many humans, too,” PETA India Veterinary Policy Advisor Dr Nithin Krishnegowda added.
Illegal dogfighting
Dogfighting is illegal in India under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Herein, dog breeds like Pitbull are trained under harsh conditions and made to go through mutilations like ear-cropping, kept on heavy chains and more. The dogs fight with one another on the ground until one becomes extremely injured or dies.
Previously, UP showed interest in putting a ban on dog breeds like Mastiffs and Rottweilers, besides Pitbulls.
