KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has given a partial stay to the central government order banning the import, breeding and sale of aggressive foreign dogs that pose a threat to humans. The single bench stayed the part requiring action to prevent the breeding of dogs.

The single bench action is based on a petition filed by dog ​​lovers and owners citing the health problems of dogs during sterilization. Earlier, the Karnataka and Calcutta High Courts had partially stayed the central government's order. The ban on the sale and import of dogs will continue.

On March 12, the central government issued an order banning the import, breeding and sale of 23 dangerous breeds of foreign dogs. Banned dog breeds include Rottweilers, Pitbulls, Terriers, Wolf Dogs and Mastiffs. The ban also applies to hybrids. The Central Government's action is based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and the Animal Welfare Committee set up on the directives of the Delhi High Court.

The Central Animal Welfare Department has sent a letter to the states asking them to stop the local bodies from issuing sales licenses to the banned animals. The central government had explained that the aim is to protect human life and prevent attacks by such dangerous dogs.

Prohibited dog breeds

Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa Akita, Mastiffs, Rottweiler, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbash, Moscow Guard, Cane Corso, Bandog.