The Delhi High Court has pressed the Centre to expedite a ruling, ideally within three months, on a plea seeking a ban on certain dog breeds deemed 'dangerous,' including Pitbulls, Terriers, American Bulldogs, and Rottweilers.
The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, encouraged authorities to handle the matter promptly, underscoring that it falls within their purview to draft relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, the court stressed the importance of promoting sturdier local dog breeds, noting their resilience and acclimatization compared to their overseas counterparts.
Acknowledging the representation made in October to prohibit and revoke licenses for certain breeds, the court emphasized the necessity of a swift decision. The central government lawyer confirmed the representation had been forwarded to the concerned department and assured a decision after consultation with stakeholders.
The bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkanra, directed authorities to decide on the representation swiftly, ideally within three months, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Previously, a division bench headed by then Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma declined to entertain a PIL on the issue, suggesting the petitioner first approach government authorities with their grievances.
The petition, filed by the Legal Attorneys and Barristers Law Firm, underscored the risks associated with specific dog breeds, citing incidents where breeds like Bulldog, Rottweiler, Pitbull, Terriers, Neapolitan Mastiff, among others, had attacked individuals, including their owners. It highlighted the need to ban and cancel licenses for these breeds to prevent potential risks to citizens.
Asserting the obligation of both the Centre and the state government to ensure citizen safety, the petition stressed the necessity for preemptive measures to avert any severe dog bite incidents involving these 'dangerous' breeds.