FIR Registered Over Illegal Dogfighting in Ghaziabad Following PETA India Complaint

After being alerted to a social media account posting numerous videos depicting forced fights between pit bulls, PETA India filed a formal complaint with Ankur Vihar Police Station. PETA India’s research revealed that the videos originated in Loni, Ghaziabad. Subsequently, a first information report (FIR) was registered against three owners and organisers of the fights under sections 34, 289, 336, and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as well as sections 3 and 11(1)(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. PETA India is calling on the police to locate the dogs used for fighting and protect them from further exploitation and suffering.

Inciting dogs to fight is illegal under the PCA Act, 1960. Yet organised dogfights are becoming prevalent in parts of India, especially North India. Pit bulls are chosen because they’re among the bully breeds that were originally bred for bullbaiting and bearbaiting and are now used for dogfighting. Pit bull–type dogs are among the most abused breeds on the planet because they are typically kept only for dogfighting or as guard or attack dogs, forced to endure a miserable life at the end of a chain. They are typically trained with violence and neglected, making them fearful and defensive.

Recently, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Joint Secretary Dr OP Chaudhary sent a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories urging the local departments of animal husbandry to ensure that no licences or permissions be issued for the sale, breeding, or keeping of pit bulls or other breeds deliberately bred for aggression and commonly used for illegal fighting and attack. Prohibiting the importation of such dog breeds has also been recommended by an expert committee of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying chaired by the commissioner of animal husbandry. PETA India applauds this decision and hopes that all states will adhere to the centre government’s recommendations.

The central government has also called for enforcement of the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Pet Shop Rules, 2018, as PETA India warns that most pet shops and breeders in the country are illegal because they aren’t registered with the relevant state animal welfare boards. They also typically deprive dogs of proper veterinary care and adequate food, exercise, affection, and opportunities for socialisation. PETA India encourages those with the time, patience, love, and resources to welcome a dog into their home to adopt an Indian community dog, known for their loving nature.