Illegal Dog Fighting Event Called Off in Sonipat, Following PETA India Complaint
Acting on a tip-off about an illegal dogfighting event scheduled for 10 p.m. on 27 January in Rohat village, Kharkhoda Tehsil, Sonipat, PETA India promptly alerted and collaborated with the Sonipat police to prevent the event. Prompt police action successfully stopped the hideous activity before it could take place.
Pitbulls and similar foreign dog breeds are primarily used for dogfighting in India, even though inciting dogs to fight is illegal under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Without suitable enforcement and regulation, organised dogfights have become prevalent in parts of the country, making pit bull–type dogs and others used in these fights the most abused dog breeds. Pit bulls and related breeds are also otherwise typically kept on heavy chains as attack dogs, resulting in aggressive defensive behaviour and a lifetime of suffering. Many endure painful physical mutilations, such as ear cropping and tail docking – illegal procedures involving removing part of a dog’s ears or tail to prevent another dog from grabbing them during a fight. These dogs are encouraged to continue fighting until they become exhausted and at least one is seriously injured or dies. Because dogfighting is illegal, injured dogs are not taken to veterinarians.
A prohibition could be achieved in the state by making sterilisation and registration of such dogs mandatory while prohibiting breeding, keeping, or selling them after a stipulated date. PETA India is also calling for the closure of illegal pet shops and breeders and a crackdown on illegal dogfighting.
