PANAJI
The State government will most likely extend its ban on the import and breeding of aggressive dog breeds, expanding beyond Pit Bulls and Rottweilers to include ten more breeds considered dangerous.
The proposed ban is likely to cover Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Russian Shepherd, Tornjak, Sarplaninac and Japanese Tosa.
Reliable sources familiar with the matter said that Akita and various Mastiff breeds might also be included, either replacing some from the initial list or being added later.
Sources revealed to The Goan that all existing dogs of these breeds will be subjected to mandatory sterilization to prevent breeding.
A notification is expected soon. The ordinance titled ‘The Goa Animal Breeding Domestication Regulation and Compensation Act’ drafted by Advocate General Devidas Pangam and approved by Cabinet will however be put up for public hearing.
“All stakeholders will be consulted for suggestions, objections and views but amending the law is the need of the hour given the current circumstances in the State. It will be incorporated and the ordinance will be re-drafted to be tabled in the legislative assembly,” the source added.
The proposed legislation is also expected to incorporate stringent penalties for those found conniving in the breeding of these dog breeds.
“Beyond the dogs currently registered with owners, no new imports or breeding of the listed ferocious dogs will be permitted. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department will maintain a record of these dogs, which will be made available through the ongoing enumeration of pet and stray dogs,” the source said.
Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Nilkanth Halarnkar is on record that if required, the department will seek assistance of the law enforcement agency for sterilization.
“There could be accidental breeding and hence the government does not want to take any chance,” he said.
A senior official also stated that dog owners, particularly those residing in apartments, should allow physical exercises for their pets.
