Staff Reporter
Panaji
The state cabinet on Wednesday approved to impose a ban on Rottweiler and Pitbull dog breeds, and granted a nod to bring in an amendment to the existing ordinance so as to empower the government to enforce the decision.
The move aims to address the increasing number of dog attacks on humans, prompting the government to take action. The amended ordinance will be promulgated soon.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that the cabinet granted approval “for amending the ordinance”, which will specifically ban Rottweilers and Pitbulls.
Speaking to mediapersons after a cabinet meeting, Sawant explained that the new policy would prohibit the import of these dog breeds into Goa.
However, existing owners of these dog breeds will be required to register their pets with the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services.
The Chief Minister emphasised that owners will bear full responsibility for ensuring their dogs do not pose a threat to public safety.
Director of animal husbandry and veterinary services Dr Nitin Naik said the registration process will begin once an official notification is issued.
After the notification is issued, all pet owners will be required to register their dogs with the authorities, Dr Naik said.
Dr Naik said the government will put a condition stipulating the sterilisation of dogs before completing the registration process.
The director said owners who fail to register their dogs will face penalties, which could include a fine of Rs 50,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.
The ban will not apply only to Pitbulls and Rottweilers, but will also be applicable to other ferocious dog breeds, he clarified.
It is pertinent to note that the central government banned 25 dog breeds on March 12, 2024. The ban was based on recommendations from an expert committee and PETA’s involvement. The Centre cited the breeds as a threat to human life.
The state cabinet’s decision to ban the ferocious canine breeds follows recent incidents of dog attacks, including an attack by a Rottweiler on a man in Assagao last month. A Pitbull mauled a seven-year-old boy to death in Anjuna in August 2024.
In response to these concerns, the government has already begun a census through the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services to register both pet and stray dogs as part of the ongoing livestock census.
