New Delhi [India], March 13 (HBTV): The joint secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, OP Chaudhary has sent a letter to the chief secretaries of states and union territories asking local authorities to ensure that no licenses or permissions are issued for the sale, breeding, and keeping pit bulls and other breeds deliberately bred for aggression and commonly used for fighting and attacking.    

The action follows appeals from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and a writ petition filed in the Delhi High Court.

An expert committee formed under the chairmanship of the commissioner of Animal Husbandry has recommended prohibition on the import of such dog breeds. 

PETA India commended the Centre for taking the step to safeguard vulnerable dog breeds commonly exploited by criminal elements of society for dog fighting, as well as children and elderly citizens who are wounded and even killed by specific types of dogs that are manipulated and trained to consider other living beings "prey". 

"This order is key toward providing vital protection for both humans and dogs and sends a strong, clear message that pit bulls and other such breeds are bred to be used as weapons. Pit bulls and related breeds are the most commonly abandoned dogs in India, and this action can prevent a great deal of suffering," Shaurya Agarwal, PETA India Advocacy Associate said.   

In India, inciting dogs to fight is illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Yet organized dogfights are prevalent in parts of India making pit bull-type dogs and others used in these fights the most abused dog breeds.

(ANI) This is a syndicated news fee. HBTV has edited it for clarity.