Chennai Corporation Bans Rottweiler, Pit Bull Dogs

What happened? The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council on Friday passed a resolution banning the breeding of Pit Bull and Rottweiler dog breeds from Saturday in the interest of public safety and to reduce public fear. The civic body also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh for illegally obtaining cultivation licence.

The decision stated that new pet license applications for Pit Bull and Rottweiler breeds will be banned within the borders of the Gulf Cooperation Council as of Saturday.

The ban, initiated by the Gulf Cooperation Council’s veterinary department, was aimed at halting the issuance of new licenses and the renewal of annual licenses for two breeds that the company classifies as aggressive and pose a risk to public safety.

Existing licensed dogs will not be confiscated, but Pit Bull and Rottweiler dog owners who currently hold a valid pet license will be required to use a leash and muzzle when their dogs are taken outside their homes. Those who fail to comply will be fined Rs 5,000.

The company has also proposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh to people who purchase or breed Pit Bull or Rottweiler dogs without a license after the deadline. The move is intended to prevent breed reappropriations within city limits, officials said.

When taking pets to public places, owners are strictly instructed to use collars and leashes to ensure public safety and avoid creating a nuisance in common areas such as apartment complexes, elevators and parks. Recently, there has been an increase in incidents of pet dogs attacking the public, leading to a large number of complaints. It has been observed that accidents are frequent due to the aggressive nature of Pit Bull and Rottweiler breeds.

Meanwhile, animal rights activist Arun Prasanna criticized the ban, saying it was an attempt by the Gulf Cooperation Council to harass pet owners and animals. ”Why is the Gulf Cooperation Council rushing to impose a ban without giving the owners even a week’s time? What will happen to the puppies currently on the market? What will the owners of the races they have owned for years do? Such a severe punishment has never been seen before. “There is no clarity regarding this instant restraining order,” he said.

He pointed out that someone had to go to court. The previous government’s ban was lifted by the Madras High Court. This too will suffer the same fate. “Before taking action against pet owners, the Gulf Cooperation Council needs to regulate breeders and pet shops selling wild species,” he said.

”These species generally become aggressive only when they are hungry or during mating season. “Due to the ban, dog owners will leave their dogs in public places, which will be another public safety issue,” he said.