PETA India Renews Call for Statewide Ban on Pit Bulls and Similar Dog Breeds After Mumbai Attack

PETA India has reiterated its demand for a statewide ban on certain dog breeds following a disturbing incident in Mumbai, where a 43-year-old man allegedly incited his pit bull to attack an 11-year-old boy. The boy was left injured, and the case has triggered fresh debate over the risks posed by aggressive breeds.

In a letter addressed to Dr K. H. Govindraj, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, PETA India urged Maharashtra to outlaw the breeding, sale, and ownership of breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Pakistani Bully Kuttas, Dogo Argentinos, Cane Corsos, Fila Brasileiros, Presa Canarios, Bull Terriers, and XL Bullies. According to the group, these breeds have been selectively bred for aggression and illegal dogfighting, often ending up with unsuspecting owners who are either attacked or unable to control them.

This incident marks the fourth known pit bull-related attack in Maharashtra this year. Earlier cases include a community dog mauled by a pit bull in Aurangabad on January 9, two individuals injured by an abandoned pit bull on Mahim Beach, Mumbai, on January 22, and a 37-year-old woman attacked by a pit bull and a Doberman in March, also in Mumbai.

PETA India noted that jurisdictions like Chandigarh, Goa, and Jharkhand have already moved towards prohibiting such breeds, with municipal corporations across India placing local restrictions on pit bulls and Rottweilers.

"Pit bull and other such foreign dog breeds are bred to be unstoppable weapons and to be abused in dogfights," said PETA India Advocacy Associate Shaurya Agrawal. He added, "We urge Maharashtra to immediately pass a statewide policy that prohibits the keeping, breeding, and sale of these dogs to protect humans from attacks and dogs from abuse."

The organisation says that in India, pit bulls and similar breeds are commonly used for illegal dogfighting, which continues despite being banned under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Poor enforcement has allowed these underground fights to thrive, contributing to the high rates of abuse and mistreatment of these animals.

PETA also highlighted how these dogs are typically confined with heavy chains, used as guard dogs, and subjected to cruel practices like ear cropping and tail docking; both illegal in India. These procedures, intended to make the dogs more dangerous in fights, result in long-term pain and trauma.

To curb the spread of such abuse, PETA recommends mandatory sterilisation and registration of existing animals, a ban on future breeding or sale, and a deadline beyond which possession would be prohibited. It also urged the government to shut down illegal breeders and pet shops, and to intensify enforcement against dogfighting rings.