Lucknow: A status symbol is easy to spot. It could be a Prada bag, a Savile Row suit, an Aston Martin — or a dog. But unlike a bag or an haute couture gown, pedigree dogs, especially large breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers, need proper training and exercise. hl
The death of Sushila Tripathi, an 82-year-old woman mauled by her pet pit bull in Lucknow on 12 July, has once again raised questions on the risk of people keeping pedigrees that need extra attention and care. According to the family members, Tripathi was in her courtyard when the pit bull attacked her. Her son, Amit, told the media that he found her body in a pool of blood. “There was another female Labrador inside the house, but she did not attack her. Clearly, the pit bull exhibited aggressive behaviour,” said Arvind Kumar Rao, veterinary officer, Lucknow Municipal Corporation. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has already issued an advisory against ‘aggressive’ dogs and plans to ban households owning more than two dogs.
But not everyone is convinced. For one, Brownie, Tripathi’s son’s pit bull, is a female, which makes the aggressive behaviour an anomaly. It was reportedly confined to the terrace of the house due to pressure from a neighbour. Although they had a licence, her owners had not gotten it sterilised.
Training is necessary
It’s very rarely the dog’s fault, say dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal activists. The onus lies on pet parents to ensure that their dogs are socialised, mentally and physically stimulated and well-trained. But more often than not, that doesn’t happen.
In India, an increasing number of people are spending tens of thousands of rupees on expensive dog breeds. “The problem is that most of the time, people, especially in big cities, opt for fancy breeds without understanding the nature and needs of the dog,” said Kaveri Rana, a member of the Wildlife and Gaushala committee of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida.
Lucknow-based Kamna Pandey, a sitting member of the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and former member of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), called out the corporation for issuing an advisory cautioning people from keeping American pit bulls, rottweilers, Siberian huskies, Doberman pinschers, boxers and German shepherds as they are dangerous breeds.
“Rather than issuing such advisories, it should regulate breeding centres that are selling these dogs without seeking any information from the owner about his or her background and whether the dog will suit a particular owner,” she said.
Dog behaviour therapists and trainers said it was a misconception that some breeds are seen as more aggressive. “Pit bulls, or rottweilers are not harmful per se. In fact, pit bulls are the most faithful breeds, but they need proper training and discipline,” said Rana.
But that’s the catch. “They are high-energy dogs that need to run at least 10 kilometres every day,” she said, adding that pet seekers with elderly family members and children should not opt for pit bulls as pets.
