The Goa government on Wednesday cleared a bill, to be presented in the upcoming monsoon session, which aims at banning certain ‘ferocious’ dog breeds, including Rottweilers and Pitbulls. The legislation -- Animal Breeding and Domestication Bill, 2025 -- seeks to regulate, restrict, and prohibit the import, sale, and breeding of certain dog breeds, citing concerns over public safety and animal welfare.
While the intent behind this legislation appears well-meaning, the move raises critical questions about its efficacy and enforcement. At its core, the legislation aims to address rising incidents of dog attacks, some of which have been fatal, with the involvement of either a Rottweiler or a Pitbull. Recent incidents, including the attack on a man in Assagao and the death of a child in Anjuna, have triggered public anxiety and fear as “ferocious breeds” have been nurtured as pets in various sections of society. The proposed law certainly has the bite with fines up to Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of up to three months, and also, the move to make sterilisation mandatory for such existing dogs.
The challenge would, however, lie in enforcement, just as in the case of several other laws. Take for example bull fights, which as per law, are banned in Goa but are held in the Salcete countryside with great gusto with people thronging in thousands as bulls lock horns. There is cheering, and there is heavy betting, all supposedly taking place out of earshot of the police scanner. Call it a “calculated” failure, bullfight lovers are having their way despite a stringent law in place and owners of bulls or buffaloes and organisers are going scot-free.
Interestingly, in a move aimed at tightening enforcement in these high-risk areas, the South Goa District Collector, Egna Cletus, has recently constituted a dedicated response team to tackle bullfights more effectively. The Collector has notified a team that will be part of a committee to respond effectively and initiate immediate actions during any reported or ongoing bullfights. This seems to be the end of the road for bullfights, at least on paper. What the Collector, perhaps doesn’t factor in is the inherent failure in a compromised system. If protocols and systems are to work, there has to be accountability. Designated and area-specific officials need to be held responsible otherwise we will continue to see situations where police and officials reach the site much after the fights have ended and the venue cleared.
Cut back to the “ferocious dog” ban, the issue of enforcement and compliance will present logistical challenges. Maintaining a record of all existing dogs of these breeds, ensuring sterilisation, and monitoring breeding and sale is a herculean job. The government’s plan to include these breeds in the pet enumeration initiative is a step forward, but whether this will translate into effective deterrents is uncertain. Robust enforcement and public cooperation may be difficult to sustain in these cases.
Moreover, is banning breeds enough? What about stray dogs that are going on the rampage causing grievous injuries to people? The proposed legislation to ban ferocious dog breeds may appear to be a bold step on paper that seeks to enhance public safety, but it invites critical scrutiny regarding its practicality and overall effectiveness. The government must ensure that the law does not merely serve as a symbolic gesture but becomes part of a comprehensive strategy to foster coexistence and safety for all — humans and animals alike.
