Goa to ban rottweilers, pitbulls after series of dog attacks involving 'aggressive' breeds

The decision comes after a series of dog attacks in recent years involving 'aggressive' breeds.

The Goa Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, announced on Wednesday that it will impose a ban on keeping rottweiler and pitbull dog breeds as pets. The decision comes after a series of dog attacks in recent years involving 'aggressive' breeds, which have raised concerns about public safety.

As part of the new directive, existing owners of these breeds will be required to register their pets with the state and submit an affidavit stating they take full responsibility for any harm caused by their dogs. This includes an undertaking that the dogs will not bite or harm anyone. Furthermore, the government will amend the Goa Animal Breeding, Domestic Regulations, and Compensation Ordinance, 2024, to include a ban on the import, sale, and breeding of Rottweilers and Pitbulls in the state.

"Those who already own these dogs will have to declare that they are responsible for their pets and ensure they do not cause harm," said CM Sawant. He added that the ban would also prevent the import of these breeds into Goa.

In a tragic incident in 2023, a seven-year-old child in Anjuna was killed in a pitbull attack. After the incident, Sawant had promised that the government would implement measures to make owners of dangerous dogs legally accountable. Additionally, in the same year, two children were severely injured in a rottweiler attack in Taleigao.

The government's move is also in line with a directive from the Centre, which last year imposed a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and breeding of 23 "ferocious" dog breeds, deemed a threat to human safety. The Goa government had previously announced its intention to enforce this ban within the state as well.

The state government's Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (DAH&VS), meanwhile, will have its hands full in implementing the ban and is keen to rope in the local bodies – municipalities and panchayats.