‘Ban on import of dogs for breeding not helpful’

Chennai

While many welcomed the move, a few activists are sceptical if the ban will address issues like lack of regulation among existing breeders or end cruel treatment of animals in puppy mills.
 
Dr Shiranee Pereira, Co-Founder, People for Animals (PFA), said this is a welcome move, as many  exotic breeds like Siberian Husky or St. Bernard are not suited to the tropical climate. “This is a long needed ban. We don’t really need these exotic pets. Most of the breeding activity is done for financial gain and not for the love of the animal,” said this activist.

S. Muralitharan, an activist with Indian Center for Animal Rights and Education (INCARE), said, “This ban will only lead to in-breeding among existing bloodlines, leading to birth defects in puppies. Why are the officials doing nothing for the local mongrels? This ban will only lead to over-pricing of pedigree dogs. This will ensure these dogs are well cared for. But other local breeds will suffer. The first thing is to regulate the puppy mills, as there are many sellers without proper credentials and the animals are ill-treated,” he said.

According to the breeders, apart from the price hike of a few thousands on top breeds like Siberian Husky, St. Bernard, German Shepard, Rottweiler, smaller players will be severely affected. Poorna Prabhu, a city-based breeder, said, “Only the big players spend a huge amount to import exotic dogs, while the other breeders will continue breeding with the existing dogs. The prices of pedigreed dogs will go up,” he said.