In this article, Karan Singh of Jindal Global Law School discusses the regulations related to Dog Breeding In India.

“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction

Dog breeding is the practice of mating dogs with each other with an intent to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics. The Ministry of Environment and Forest has published draft rules to regulate dog breeders across the country. The rules are to stop cruelty to animals. It seeks to prevent infliction cruelty on animals in this business. Dog breeding business is increasing day by day as everyone is interested in the new species of dogs. The government has also invited people for their suggestions on the Draft notification of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding And Marketing) Rules 2016.

For all the dog breeders it is mandatory to register themselves with the State Animal Welfare Board of the respective States under the new rules. In the Rules, the requirement for the breeders has been given such as related to health, housing facilities and conditions for sale.

Pedigree dogs

Imported dogs or high breed dogs are called pedigree dogs like Husky, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Labrador, Doberman, and pug. In 2016, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) bans pedigree dog import. Import of pedigree dogs will only be allowed for defense and police forces. Breeder in India can not import pedigree dogs now as per the ban. This ban is to prevent the suffering of thousands of dogs. As per People For Animal (PFA), this ban will stop the rise of the street dog population as many pedigree dogs end up on the roads. Breeders like Husky, St. Bernard can not survive in high temperature as these dogs are suitable for snow like temperature. This ban will also help to prevent the breeders to import the breeds which are not suitable for Indian climate.^[1]

The Ban on import of pedigree dogs was introduced because of a breeder who imported 2 Korean Mastiff puppies for 2 crore rupees. Korean Mastiff is a breed that ca only survive on mountains. But for money breeders are importing these puppies. To prevent this, the government came with this rule of imposing the ban on pedigree dogs.

Before the rule came in force, the breeders used cruel nature on dogs for breeding. They were sold as commodities, kept in unsuitable conditions. The female dogs were kept in short chain for all their lives and were treated in heinous behavior. The female dogs were actually raped to produce more and more puppies so that breeders can sell them and earn profit from it. Home delivery of the puppies was done by the breeders. The Dogs did not have suitable shelter and were kept in small cages. No food was given by breeders for days. This was a cruel behavior by the breeders on animals.

Regulations rated to dogs breeding in India

The following requirement shall be met by every breeder of dogs in India:

• The breeder should have knowledge about everything related to the breeding of dogs like reproduction, nutrition, wellness, and care.

 For Female Dogs

• Only normal healthy mature female dogs that have reached 18 months shall only be bred. They shall be certified as healthy by a licensed veterinary at least 10 days prior to breeding.
• No female dog shall be forced to produce puppies in 2 consecutive breeding seasons. Only once in a year.
• Female dogs should not be forced to produce more than 5 times during her lifetime.

For Male Dogs

• Male dogs should be healthy, mature and only after he has reached his 18th month.Must be certified by a licensed veterinary at least 10 days prior to breeding.

Common Breeding Techniques

• Breeders use four breeding techniques in which this rule only allows two out of four techniques:
• Out Breeding and Line Breeding are only allowed in India. Out breeding is the mating of dogs which are not at all related to each other. Line breeding is mating between dogs that are marginally related to each other. In this case, dogs are chosen for their special attributes to obtain certain types.
• Inbreeding and Incest Breeding are not allowed in India. In Breeding is mating between dogs that are related. Inbreeding is breeding between relatives of the 2nd to 4th grade in straight or sideline within the first four generations e.g. uncle to niece, nephew to an aunt, cousin to cousin, grandparents to grandchildren. Incest breeding is mating between parents and children or between brother and sister, i.e. 1st-grade relatives. This is strictly forbidden. Incest breeding, as well as continued inbreeding and line breeding, is risky since it increases the danger of hereditary diseases.
• Female dogs should not be mated after 8 years of age.
• All the breeders shall have a full record of the puppies that the male or female dog produces with their vaccination details.
• Tail docking, ear cropping or any mutation of the puppy is strictly banned and forbidden.

The Requirement for obtaining a license for dog breeders

• Breeder should be 18 years of age.
• License from local authority is the registration for commencing or continuing breeding activity at his premises.
• Inspection by the team including recognized veterinary before granting the license. Inspection is Mandatory.
• A report by the recognized Veterinary should be submitted to the local authorities. Local authorities will consider the report before determining whether or not to grant a license.
• The local authority will inform the Board to grant a license. A copy of the report will be submitted by a local authority to the board.
• The breeder must submit all the information requested on the application form, including a valid mailing address, and a valid address for the premises/establishment where animals, facilities, equipment, and records can be inspected for compliance. Locations of all premises/establishments, facilities or sites where the applicant operates from, has an interest in, or keeps animals, shall be provided on the application form or on a separate sheet attached to it.
• The license granted is only for 1 year issued by the local authority. renewal of the license is necessary after inspection.

The Condition for grant and renewal of license

• Procedure for registration with the Board must be followed
• The Record must be maintained.
• Identification of breeding animals y micro-chipping.
• Records of staff to be maintained
• Health of all the animals to be maintained

Operation without a license and without a registration certificate

• If a breeder is operating premises, or commercial kennel or pet shop without a valid license or valid registration certificate shall be a violation of the Rules. And this can start a court proceeding against that breeder.

Expiry Of License

All licenses will expire on the 31st of January every year, and will automatically terminate at midnight on that date unless an application for renewal, properly filled in and duly completed, along with the prescribed fee has been received by the Local Authority. 30 days prior to the expiry date of a license, the licensee must file an application for renewal with the local authority. If not done then you have to apply for new registration license.

Grounds on which license is likely to be rejected or refused

• Material and deliberate misstatement in the application for grant of the original license or for renewal of license.
• A Conviction for violation of any law on the treatment of animals.
• Failure by the breeder to fulfill all the requirement prescribed by the Local Authority.
• Refusal to allow any inspector to inspect the premises.
• Nonpayment of fees will result in denial of license.^[2]

What to do if you see a street dog/injured dog

Helping dog can change his life. If you see a dog that is injured or on a street then helps him by following the points:

• Give him some water and food to eat
• Then if it’s possible treat him with medication(If Possible)
• Search for nearby NGO that deals in dogs or a veterinary clinic. Some NGO is given below.
• Take him to the veterinary or call the NGO for help.
• Also, if you want to adopt the dog, adopt him instead.

NGOS in India for Injured dogs

1. Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, SGACC: 011 25448062, 25447751, Address: Raja Garden, Near Shivaji College, New Delhi 110027

Website: http://www.sanjaygandhianimalcarecentre.org/

2. PAWS- Save animals save the environment.

C-9/7, Masudpur Market, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-70, Tel: +91 – 11 – 26895737

Website: http://www.pawsindia.org/

3. Friendicoes Seca No 271 & 273 | Defence Colony Flyover Market, Jangpura Side New Delhi, 110024 | India Tel: 011-24314787, 011-24320303, 011-24320707

Website: https://friendicoes.org/

Conclusion

To stop dog breeding, society has to change. Dog breeders are there to earn money. Stop buying dogs instead adopt them. People think that pedigree dogs are better than DESI dogs. But it’s actually opposite. DESI dogs are better than pedigree dogs. and instead of paying so much money for the pedigree dog, you should adopt a Desi dog. This will help the society as there will be fewer dogs on the street and a dog will get a good life. ADOPT DON’T SHOP.

References

^[1]http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-bans-dog-import-pedigrees-to-cost-more/articleshow/52018461.cms

^[2] http://awbi.org/awbi-pdf/draftdogbreedrules.pdf