Complex and conflicting issues surrounding dogs in India
The relationship between dogs and their place in society opens up vexing dilemmas in India.
On one hand there is the problem of street dogs.
Citizens all over the country may complain about their residential colonies being under attack by roving canines.
But this has not yet spurred any significant political response to enforce existing municipal laws to contain their numbers.
On the other hand, it seems that even pet dogs too have managed to raise an entirely different class of concerns meriting the attention of a
central government ministry and two High Courts.
Among the questions being deliberated upon is whether certain breeds of dogs are inherently more “ferocious” than others.
An expert committee constituted by the Department of Animal Welfare and Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture, has recommended that certain breeds of “ferocious dogs” be prohibited from being kept as pets.
Such a committee was constituted after citizen groups complained of attacks on people — sometimes fatal — by these dogs, which prompted a petition in the Delhi High Court requesting it to ban certain breeds.
Problem of street dogs and pet dogs
Street dogs and pet dogs can present a complex set of problems in some communities.
Street Dogs
Public Health: Unvaccinated street dogs can carry diseases like rabies, posing a threat to humans and other animals.
Rabies is a major concern, especially in areas with large stray dog populations.
Animal Welfare: Street dogs often face harsh conditions, struggling to find food and water.
They are susceptible to malnutrition, injuries, and disease.
Safety Concerns: Dog bites can occur, particularly during fights among strays, posing a risk to people in the vicinity.
Conflict with Humans: Scrambling for food, street dogs might raid garbage or approach people, leading to tension.
Pet Dogs
Irresponsible Ownership: When pet owners abandon their dogs or allow them to roam freely, it contributes to the stray dog population.
Public Nuisance: Unruly pets can bark excessively, damage property, or become aggressive, creating problems for neighbours.
Lack of Sanitation: Pet owners who don't clean up after their dogs contribute to an unsanitary environment.
Proposed breed ban - Arguments against breed ban
These include mixed and crossbreeds such as Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, among others.
These rules are expected to be implemented by local authorities.
Dogs that have already been kept as pets must be sterilised to ensure that further breeding does not happen.
The Karnataka High Court recently stayed the government order after some petitioners objected that the government department move was unilateral.
This did not encompass a wide enough spectrum of expert bodies.
The Kennel Club of India, a body that deals with registering purebreeds, could stand to be at a disadvantage by this decision.
Years of observation and insight into the temperament of dogs have shown that ferocity and aggressiveness are a result of both environmental and behavioural factors.
Thus, the age, sex, size, familiarity with other dogs, the way it is trained, and the circumstances that provoke aggression all contribute to ferocity.
That said, several countries have banned certain breeds or have imposed stringent conditions to own or maintain certain dog breeds.
None of these countries anyway permits street dogs in the way India does and so the regulations are premised on higher standards of public safety than in India.
Thus, the existence or absence of certain breeds of dogs is less likely to make a difference to public safety than making dog owners more liable for harm caused.
While individual choice in choosing and raising pets matters, it is by no means an unbridled right.
Limits of pet ownership
In India, pet ownership has some legal limitations and social considerations:
Legal Limits:
No Blanket Bans: Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) cannot completely ban pets in apartments/societies.
Societal Rules: Societies can have reasonable pet ownership regulations.
These might include limitations on the number of pets per household, pet waste disposal guidelines, or leash requirements.
General Welfare: The law prioritizes animal well-being.
Owners must provide proper care, and failure to do so can lead to legal action or pet removal.
Social Considerations:
Space Constraints: Many Indian dwellings are on the smaller side, which can limit the suitability for certain large dog breeds.
Cultural Attitudes: While pet ownership is increasingly popular, traditional views about animals might influence pet acceptance in some communities.
COMMENTS