NEW DELHI: The government has imposed a ban on the import of dogs for breeding after many animal rights organisations raised concerns over foreign breed dogs suffering due to unsuitable climatic conditions.
The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification banning the import of dogs for commercial breeding. No tabs are in place if the import is for research or defence purposes.
Humane Society International and People for Animals along with other groups have urged the government to ban the import on dogs for breeding as it was resulting in the overpopulation of street dogs in the country.
They were of the view that a large number of dogs that are not suitable for the country’s tropical climate such as St Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and others are being imported by breeders in India. “We commend the DGFT for this historic ban which will prevent the suffering of thousands of dogs. Our shelters are inundated with cases of abandoned imported breed dogs which are usually due to poor understanding of the breed’s requirement,” said Gauri Maulekhi, HSI India consultant.
Animal rights groups have also urged the government to enact the pet shop & breeder regulations as recommended by the Law Commission of India.
Last year, the commission published a report on titled “Need to Regulate Pet Shops and Dog Breeding and Aquarium Fish Breeding” recommending that the Centre take cognizance of the issue.