The List of Dog Breeds Banned in India 2024

Bad news for dog lovers across India!

A list of mixed and crossbreed dogs have been banned by the Government of India from importing, breeding and selling.

Addressing the rapidly increasing dog attack cases in India, the central government has asked the states for a ban on the import, breeding and selling of a list of aggressive dog breeds in India as of March 2024.

In order to safeguard human lives and prevent any further dog attacks and deaths, the Indian Government has addressed the concerns of civilians on the matter. Delhi High Court took the step to prevent these cases from happening again and ordered the central government to ban aggressive dog breeds in India.

A letter has been sent to all the states of India by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, asking the local bodies to refrain from issuing licenses and permits for selling this list of dog breeds across India.

Come, let's check out the banned dog breeds in India!

List of Banned Dogs in India

• 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

• Tornjak

• Sarplaninac

• Japanese Tosa

• Akita

• Mastiffs

• Rottweiler

• Terriers(All Varieties)

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Wolf Dogs(All Varieties)

• Canario

• Akbash Dog

• Moscow Guard Dog

• Cane Corso

• Bandog

The above list of ferocious dog breeds is banned from importing, breeding, and selling in every pet shop across India. Even crossbreeds of these banned dog breeds will be prohibited from breeding and selling.

Additionally, the Central Government has ordered all the states to sterilize these list of banned dog breeds currently kept as pets in Indian homes.

Under this list of banned dogs, your all-time favourite dog breeds for home must be sterilized under the order given by the Central government, as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, implemented by the State Animal Welfare Boards.

Though this is the current situation, you Indian dog lovers have not been worried!

There is a list of Indian dog breeds that can be kept as pets in your home. The human-canine bond is something that can never be unbonded and separated at any cause.

And let me say if you are planning to buy an imported dog breed for your home!

There are many imported dog breeds that are popular pets in India besides the 23 on the proposed ban list. Here are some of the imported dogs that you can buy as a pet for your Indian home.

• Beagle: Known for their friendly temperament and excellent sense of smell, Beagles are popular family dogs.

• Golden Retriever: This gentle and intelligent breed is a popular choice for families and service animals.

• Labrador Retriever: Another popular family dog, Labs are known for their friendly and playful personalities.

• Poodle: Poodles come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy) and are known for their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat.

• German Shepherd: Often used as working dogs for police and military, German Shepherds can also be loyal and loving companions.

• Basset Hound: These short-legged, long-eared dogs have a gentle and comical personality.

• Pug: Pugs are known for their wrinkled faces and friendly, playful personalities.

• French Bulldog: These compact and comical dogs are popular for their affectionate nature and low exercise needs.

Though this list of imported dog breeds can be aggressive as per scenarios. They are not listed in the banned or ferocious dog breeds in India that are dangerous around humans.

Penalties for breeding banned dogs in 2024:

• Confiscation of Dogs: If authorities detect illegal breeding of forbidden dog breeds, they have the authority to confiscate the animals. These dogs will not be abandoned; they will be brought to shelters or re-homed through authorized channels. This assures that confiscated dogs receive proper care and, if possible, find loving new homes, while remaining subject to restricted breed laws.

• Fines: Fines for breeding banned dogs in India vary depending on the specific legislation and local guidelines. However, the consequences might be severe, serving as an effective deterrence. The actual price can vary depending on the number of dogs involved, repeat offenses, and the severity of the violation. These fines can vary from several thousand rupees to potentially much greater amounts.

• Potential Jail Time: In the most unacceptable circumstances, breeding restricted dog breeds may be considered a criminal act. This might result in jail time, in addition to any fines issued. The severity of the sentence can vary depending on the amount of dogs involved, prior violations, and your region's specific legislation.

• Veterinary License Suspension: Veterinarians in India play an important role in promoting responsible pet ownership. When a veterinarian intentionally offers medical care to banned dog breeds for breeding purposes, it may be considered a violation of their professional code of ethics and animal welfare standards. As a result, such conduct may result in disciplinary action by veterinary licensing boards, which could lead to license suspension or even revocation. This ensures that veterinarians maintain their commitment to public safety and prevents the proliferation of restricted dog breeds.

• Breeder License Revocation: Licensed breeders caught breeding banned dog breeds face a severe consequence – license revocation. This not only immediately halts their breeding operation but also casts a long shadow on their future endeavors. Regaining a license after such a violation can be a complex and challenging process, potentially involving additional training, stricter inspections, and a waiting period.

So, ya! That's it, folks.

I know this is melancholy for you dog lovers. But what to do? "Laws are Laws!" As an Indian Citizen, you are meant to follow these rules and regulations.

Additionally, for clear & clarity! Those already banned dog breeds in India can still be kept as pets in your home. But, as per the new regulation, they must not be kept for breeding and must be sterilized.