Madras HC stops Centre from banning 'ferocious and dangerous' dog breeds

In a recent development, the Madras High Court has put a hold on the Union government's decision-making process regarding the classification of certain dog breeds as 'ferocious and dangerous to human life.' This decision potentially forestalls a nationwide ban on these breeds.

However, Justice Anita Sumanth has permitted the government to solicit feedback and objections from stakeholders concerning the classification process. This interim order, issued on Wednesday, intervenes following the court's suspension of a notification issued by the Union government in March, which sought to prohibit the breeding of specific dog varieties in India. The court criticized the prohibition, citing a lack of substantial empirical evidence.

The breeds under scrutiny encompass a variety including pitbull terrier, tosa inu, American staffordshire terrier, fila brasileiro, American bulldog, boerboel, kangal, central Asian shepherd, caucasian shepherd, south Asian shepherd, Japanese tosa, akita, various mastiffs, rottweiler, terriers, Rhodesian ridgeback, and wolf dogs.


During the hearing, the petitioner, Kennel Club of India (KCI), emphasized that despite the court's interim orders, the Union ministry proceeded with inviting comments through a notification issued on May 2. The petitioner urged the government to restart the entire process by forming a new expert committee, disregarding the earlier notification that had been stayed by the court. In response, the additional solicitor-general representing the center, ARL Sundaresan, assured the court that he would seek instructions regarding whether the minister could issue a clarification regarding the May 2 public notice.

The court took note of this submission and adjourned the hearing until June 14.