Bengaluru's Proposed Regulation of 'Ferocious Dog Breeds' Paused Amid Civic Deliberations
The proposed regulation targeting so-called "ferocious dog breeds" in Bengaluru has been temporarily halted, with civic authorities now awaiting draft recommendations from the city's five municipal corporations before proceeding with any new measures. This pause comes as the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) revisits the issue following a reported increase in dog-bite incidents across the metropolitan area.
Authorities Await Municipal Input on Draft Proposals
GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao recently directed each municipal corporation to prepare and submit a draft proposal regarding the regulation of specific dog breeds. Over a week ago, Rao emphasized that reminders have been sent, and the urban development department has instructed these bodies to conduct public consultations, consolidate feedback, and submit their drafts. "We are awaiting their response," Rao stated, highlighting the current standstill in the regulatory process.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The controversy traces back to a March 12, 2024, communication from the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, which identified 24 dog breeds—including Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, and Cane Corsos—as potentially dangerous to human life. The advisory proposed prohibiting their import, breeding, sale, and licensing, while recommending sterilization of existing pets to prevent further breeding.
However, the Karnataka High Court granted a stay on implementing this policy in the state in April last year, adding a layer of judicial scrutiny to the ongoing debate. In Bengaluru, where many large-breed dogs reside in both independent homes and apartment complexes, the Centre's proposal has sparked intense and polarized discussions among residents.
Pet Owners Voice Opposition to Breed-Specific Bans
Pet owners in the city have strongly argued against targeting specific breeds, asserting that such measures are unfair and fail to address the root causes of aggression. Raghav Menon, a pitbull owner from HSR Layout, shared that his five-year-old dog has never displayed violent behavior. "My pitbull is gentle with my children. It's not the breed that's dangerous—it's irresponsible ownership," he emphasized.
Vikram Shetty, an American bulldog owner from Jayanagar, echoed this sentiment, stating, "If someone raises a dog poorly, any breed can become aggressive. Punish negligent owners, not dogs." Similarly, Sanjay Pillai, an Akita owner from Rajajinagar, cautioned against breed-specific bans, arguing that a dog's temperament is influenced more by upbringing, training, and environment than by genetics alone.
Current Status and Future Implications
With legal clarity still pending and public consultations yet to be completed, the proposed regulation remains suspended. This delay places the issue in a complex position, balancing public safety concerns, judicial oversight, and the perspectives of the pet-owning community in Bengaluru. As authorities wait for municipal input, the city continues to grapple with finding a balanced approach to dog management that addresses safety without unfairly penalizing specific breeds or responsible owners.
