Not Yet Acting On 'Dangerous & Ferocious Dogs' Ban, Public Objections To Notification Called: Centre Tells Bombay High Court

The Union of India (UOI) today told the Bombay High Court that it is currently not acting on notification which prohibited the import, breed and selling of 23 dog breeds deemed 'dangerous and ferocious'.The notification dated 12 March 2024 issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, UOI declared 23 dog breeds including Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler and Mastiffs as 'dangerous and ferocious' and banned their import, sale and rearing. During the hearing, the UOI counsel told the Court that the union is not acting on the notification and that is has issued a public notice inviting objections to the notification. The counsel told that the union government would take a suitable decision after considering the objections. It is pertinent to note that on 12 March 2024, the Calcutta High Court had partially stayed the notification of the Union Government, whilst upholding the restriction on selling and import of the dog breeds concerned.The Karnataka High Court too in March 2024 stayed the operation of the notification only in the State of Karnataka and in April quashed the notification. In April 2024, the Delhi High Court quashed the UOI's circular and disposed of the petitions on the ground that the ban was imposed on 23 dog breeds without consulting or inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders. The present case emanates from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO, Animal Rescue Trust, running a dog shelter. The NGO sought directions to the State Government to constitute State Board and District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals within a stipulated time.The NGO's counsel said that the NGO has filed objections in pursuance of the public notice issued by the UOI. To this, the State counsel submitted that the State Board as well as Societies at District Level have been constituted. A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre noted that the UOI's notification has been stayed by a few High Courts. Upon the petitioner counsel's request, the Court granted liberty to amend the petition and adjourned the matter for three weeks. Case title: Animal Rescue Trust Through Vineeta Tandon Vs Union Of India ( Thr Ministry Of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry And Dairying) And Ors (PIL/58/2024)

Not Yet Acting On 'Dangerous & Ferocious Dogs' Ban, Public Objections To Notification Called: Centre Tells Bombay High Court

Sanjana Dadmi

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