The death of a four-month-old baby girl, mauled by a Rottweiler that broke free from its handler, has sent shockwaves across Ahmedabad and reignited the national debate over banning aggressive dog breeds in India.
The infant was attacked outside her home when the Rottweiler, reportedly not securely restrained, lunged at her. Despite immediate efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries. The horrific nature of the incident has prompted widespread outrage and urgent calls for legal action and policy reform.
In response, PETA India sent formal letters to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, IAS, urging the state to enact a ban on the breeding, sale, and ownership of breeds that have been deliberately developed for aggression and fighting.
Shaurya Agrawal, Advocacy Associate at PETA India, told media outlets that such dogs are often sold to unsuspecting families who are unequipped to manage them and sometimes fall victim to attacks themselves. He said that pit bulls, Rottweilers, and similar foreign breeds are bred to be highly aggressive and are frequently exploited in dogfighting rings, which he asserted must be urgently addressed.
PETA’s proposed ban targets breeds such as Rottweilers, pit bull terriers, Pakistani bully kuttas, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Fila Brasileiros, bull terriers, and XL bullies. The organisation is also calling for a crackdown on illegal pet shops and unlicensed breeders, many of whom are allegedly linked to underground dogfighting networks.
According to PETA, dogs used in these fights are subjected to severe abuse: they are often kept chained, illegally mutilated through ear cropping and tail docking, and typically denied veterinary care even after suffering serious injuries. Although dogfighting is a punishable offence under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the organisation claimed that poor enforcement has allowed such practices to continue in several parts of the country.
The Gujarat government has announced its intention to draft a policy regulating the ownership of aggressive dog breeds. PETA has urged that this policy include a cut-off date after which keeping, breeding, or selling specified breeds would be prohibited. They have also recommended mandatory sterilisation and registration of all existing dogs in these categories.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debate on social media and among policymakers. While the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) continues to oppose breed-specific bans, the board maintains that stricter enforcement of pet ownership rules and public education campaigns are more effective. In contrast, many citizens and local leaders are calling for immediate regulatory action in light of the fatal attack.
As the baby’s grieving family demands justice, the state faces mounting pressure to address questions about public safety, irresponsible pet ownership, and the consequences of regulatory inaction.
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