Chennai’s Bold Move
Chennai’s Bold Move : Tamil Nadu’s draft breeding guidelines ban the breeding of Basset Hound, French Bulldogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Keeshounds, Newfoundlands, Norwegian Elkhounds, Tibetan Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies and St. Bernards.
Tamil Nadu’s draft dog breeding guidelines have strictly banned the breeding of at least nine cold-weather dog breeds as they cannot withstand the country’s climate.
It has said that female dogs “shall not be mated after the age of eight”. Though it allows ‘out-breeding and line-breeding’, the policy restricts ‘in-breeding’.
Chennai’s Bold Move : Breeding of Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Alaskan Malamute, Keeshond, Newfoundland, Norwegian Elkhound, Tibetan Mastiff, Siberian Husky and Saint Bernard is prohibited.
The Supreme Court ordered the development of a dog breeding policy because there are many “unethical practices” that directly violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.
According to the policy, “the effects of in-breeding accumulate within closed populations and negative consequences can result from breeding parents, who are too genetically similar. Inbred animals are more likely to have genetic defects and inherited diseases, which can be extremely detrimental to their health and welfare.”
‘Ensure well-being’
“All breeders must adhere to responsible breeding practices so that the physical and mental health of their dogs are not compromised and male offspring with genetic defects are spayed or neutered…,” it further said.
As per the draft guidelines, the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) will issue health certificates for breeding animals and breeders will have to register the specific breeds they keep with the board. “All dogs used for breeding must be registered with the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board. Pet owner information needs to be updated at TNAWB.”
The policy added: “Dogs must not be euthanised simply because they are no longer able to breed, sell or trade. All euthanasia of mortally wounded or injured animals, or incurably sick or terminally ill ones, shall be accomplished by a registered veterinary practitioner,” the policy added.
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