‘Ferocious dog breed’ policy: Greater Bengaluru Authority awaits draft after public consultations by 5 corporations

Bengaluru: The proposed regulation of so-called "ferocious dog breeds" has hit a pause in the city as civic authorities are waiting for draft recommendations from the five municipal corporations before taking any new steps.Over the past month, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) revisited the issue following a reported rise in dog-bite incidents across the city. GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao, over a week ago, directed each city municipal corporation to prepare and submit a draft proposal. "We sent a reminder. The urban development department wrote to them to conduct public consultations, consolidate feedback and submit a draft. We are awaiting their response," Rao said.
The issue dates back to the March 12, 2024, communication issued by the Union ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying that identified 24 dog breeds, including Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs and Cane Corsos, as potentially dangerous to human life. The advisory proposed prohibiting their import, breeding, sale and licensing, and recommended sterilisation of existing pets to prevent breeding. Karnataka high court granted a stay on implementing the policy in the state in April last year. In Bengaluru, where several large-breed dogs are kept in both independent homes and apartment complexes, the Centre's proposal sparked a polarised debate. Pet owners argued that targeting specific breeds was unfair and did not address the root cause of aggression. Raghav Menon, a pitbull owner from HSR Layout, said his dog had never displayed violent behaviour. "My pitbull is five years old and has never harmed anyone. He's gentle with my children. It's not the breed that's dangerous — it's irresponsible ownership," he said. Seconding him, Vikram Shetty, an American bulldog owner from Jayanagar, said, "If someone raises a dog poorly, any breed can become aggressive. Punish negligent owners, not dogs." Sanjay Pillai, an Akita owner from Rajajinagar, cautioned against breed-specific bans, arguing that temperament is influenced more by upbringing, training and environment than genetics alone. With legal clarity awaited and consultations still pending, the proposed regulation remains suspended, caught between public safety concerns, judicial scrutiny and pet-owning community in the city.