Chennai Corporation Bans Rottweiler, Pit Bull Dogs

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council on Friday passed a resolution banning the rearing of Pit Bull and Rottweiler dog breeds from Saturday in the interest of public safety and to mitigate public fear. The civic body has also introduced a fine of Rs 1 lakh for illegally obtaining a rearing licence.

The resolution said that applications for new pet licences for Pit Bull and Rottweiler breeds would be prohibited within the GCC limits from Saturday.

The ban, initiated by the GCC’s veterinary department, sought to stop issuance of new licences and renewal of annual licences for the two breeds, which the corporation has classified as aggressive and posing a risk to public safety.

While existing licensed dogs will not be seized, owners of Pit Bull and Rottweiler dogs already holding valid pet licences will be required to use a leash and muzzle whenever the dogs are taken outside their homes. Failure to comply will attract a fine of Rs 5,000.

The corporation has also proposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh for persons who purchase or rear Pit Bull or Rottweiler dogs without a licence after the cut-off date. Officials said the move is aimed at preventing fresh ownership of the breeds within city limits.

When taking pets to public places, the owners are strictly instructed to use a neck collar and leash to ensure public safety and avoid creating a nuisance in common areas such as apartment complexes, lifts, and parks. Recently, there has been a rise in incidents involving pet dogs attacking the public, leading to numerous complaints. It has been observed that incidents involving Pit Bull and Rottweiler breeds are frequent due to their inherently aggressive nature.

Meanwhile, Arun Prasanna, an animal rights activist, criticised the ban citing it was an attempt of the GCC to harass the pet owners as well as animals. ''Why is the GCC in a hurry to impose a ban without even a week of leeway for the owners. What will be the fate of puppies which are already in the market? What will the owners do, with breeds in their possession for years? Such a hefty fine is unheard of. There is no clarity on this knee-jerk ban order,'' he said.

He pointed out that somebody should go to the court. The previous government's ban had been lifted by the Madras High Court. This will also face the same fate. Before taking action against pet owners, the GCC has to regulate breeders and pet shops who are selling ferocious breeds,'' he said.

''These breeds usually get aggressive only when they are starved or during the mating period. Due to the ban, the owners will abandon their dogs in public places, which will be another public safety issue,'' he said.