On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court issued a stay on enforcing the Central government's recent circular, which had called for a ban on 23 breeds of dogs deemed 'ferocious' and posing a threat to human safety.

In the order, Justice M Nagaprasanna clarified that the stay would exclusively apply within the jurisdiction of Karnataka. The order stemmed from a joint petition filed by a professional dog handler and the owner of a Rottweiler. They contended that the Expert Committee, whose recommendation prompted the circular, failed to engage with any stakeholders before making the decision.

The Court directed that until the Deputy Solicitor General of India presents documents revealing the factors considered in making the decision, the government's circular "shall remain stayed, only in the State of Karnataka."

The Court observed that the circular additionally mandates the sterilization of individuals who have raised such dogs to prevent further breeding of those breeds.

"The committee appears to have identified the aforesaid breed of dogs as ferocious and dangerous to human life. Therefore, the effect of the circular is pan India and has a devastating effect on the aforesaid breed of dogs," it remarked.

The circular issued by the Centre calls upon all states and union territories to prohibit 23 breeds of dogs categorized as 'ferocious' and deemed hazardous to human life. In December 2023, the Central government had provided assurance to the Delhi High Court that it would promptly address the request to prohibit licenses for keeping breeds of dogs deemed dangerous.

The Expert Committee, led by the Animal Husbandry Commissioner and including representatives from diverse stakeholder organizations and experts, recognized the following dog breeds as aggressive and posing a threat to human safety: