In a move to counter the unregulated sale of dogs on social media platforms and promote indigenous canine breeds, the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department has announced plans to begin the official sale of native dogs. The initiative will ensure the availability of verified, pedigree-native breeds to the public through a government-monitored system.
The department is currently in the process of collecting germplasm genetic material essential for verifying breed authenticity from across the state. The focus is on native breeds like Kanni, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam, and Kombai, among others, totaling around a dozen traditional breeds.
Once the genetic verification process is completed, breeding activities will commence within a month at the newly upgraded Native Dog Conservation Centre in Saidapet. The facility, now expanded, can accommodate up to 51 dogs.
To streamline the process, the government intends to appoint a third-party operator to oversee operations and develop a dedicated online portal. This platform will serve as a direct interface between buyers and the government, providing detailed information about the dogs such as breed type, age, photographs, and other relevant data.
Animal Husbandry Department Secretary Dr. N. Subbaiyan said the portal will allow citizens to browse and purchase native puppies directly. “We will verify each dog’s breed, lineage, owner, and location before listing them. Once the puppies are ready, their details will be uploaded to the portal for sale. Though tracking pet owners, post-sale isn’t easy, we’re considering engaging with local bodies for post-adoption support,” he said.
He also pointed out the importance of offering a transparent and reliable alternative to curb the black market. “Most dogs sold online lack certified pedigree. A credible platform from the government can reduce illegal trade,” he added.
However, concerns remain about whether native breeds are suitable for all environments. Animal welfare advocate Arun Prasanna from People for Cattle in India noted that breeds like Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, and Kombai are traditionally hunting dogs and require large open spaces. “These breeds are not ideal for small apartments or gated communities they need room to run and thrive,” he said.
(With inputs from Times Of India)
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