India Bans Import Of Pedigree Dog Breeds

DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) recently issued an order regarding ban on import of pedigree dog breeds for breeding/other commercial activities in India.

This order from DGFT, under the Union ministry of commerce and industry came in quite a shock for breeders in India and the decision was lauded by HSI India and PFA. An official gazette notification was shared on April 25, 2016 that states that no commercial activity in relation to import of foreign dog breeds will be allowed.

Here is the official gazette:

German Shepherd

Reference: Twitter

Purposes for which import of pedigree dog breeds is allowed

Import of pedigree dog breeds is allowed for only these specific purposes mentioned below:

1. Pet dogs with valid pet book along with relevant records/documents in the name of the importer.
2. Dogs imported by R&D organizations for conducting research under the guidance of CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control And Supervision of Experiments on Animals).
3. Dogs imported by defense or police for internal security.

Reaction of Animal Rights Bodies and Activists/Organizations

Animal rights bodies in India such as HSI India (Humane Society International India) and PFA (People for Animals) lauded the decision made by the ministry and felt relief on the decision made. They said that the import of pedigree dog breeds in India by breeders resulted in overpopulation of street dogs in India. It also caused pedigree dog breeds to suffer as they were not suited for Indian climatic conditions. Breeds such as St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and others that were being imported by breeders in India are not well suited and cannot adapt to Indian climatic conditions.

“We commend DGFT for this historic ban which will prevent the suffering of thousands of dogs. Our shelters are inundated with cases of abandoned imported breed dogs which are usually due to poor understanding of the breed’s requirement. We now hope that the government complements this decision by enacting the Pet Shop and Breeder regulations as recommended by the Law Commission of India,” said Gauri Maulekhi, HSI India consultant and PFA Trustee, in a statement.

Source: News 18