GUWAHATI: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday temporarily halted the implementation of a Union government circular that prohibits breeding of 23 breeds of 'ferocious and dangerous' dogs.
ALSO READ: Guwahati Residents Pay With Cough, Fever For City’s Dust Pollution
However, the court specified that the stay applies only within the state of Karnataka. Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the interim order in response to a petition filed by Bengaluru residents King Solomon David and Mardona Jones. Additionally, the court instructed the central government to provide the documents used to issue the circular for scrutiny of the prior consultation process.
Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Channel
The circular, based on an expert committee report chaired by the Animal Husbandry Commission, identified specific dog breeds as posing a risk to human life. It mandated the sterilisation of these breeds to prevent further breeding.
The government's legal counsel argued that the circular was issued following a directive from the Delhi High Court in response to a public interest litigation. However, the petitioners' counsel contended that the Kennel Club of India, a crucial stakeholder, was not consulted despite the circular's mention of stakeholder organisations.
Justice Nagaprasanna emphasised the necessity of consulting all stakeholders, as mandated by the Delhi High Court's order, and called for an examination of the decision-making documents.
The banned dog breeds include Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, and others commonly referred to as 'Ban Dogs'.
(With Inputs From LiveLaw)