PANJIM: In a bid to address rising public safety concerns, the Goa government has commenced a door-to-door survey of aggressive dogs across the state.
Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nilkanth Halarnkar, confirmed the survey and said officials from the Animal Husbandry Department are currently visiting villages to register dogs. He appealed to the public to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the initiative.
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“As part of the campaign, certain breeds have been banned from being kept as pets,” the minister stated. “We have already started the survey. Once that is done, our staff will follow up to ask people to register their pets. The government has already banned the import of Rottweiler and Pit Bull breeds. Even breeding centres have been instructed not to breed these types of dogs.”
In February this year, the state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, had approved amendments to the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestic Regulations and Compensation Ordinance, 2024, effectively banning Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
“Those who already have these breeds of dogs will have to take care of them and take responsibility,” Sawant had said.
The move followed growing public demand for a ban, after a spate of incidents across Goa involving attacks by Rottweilers and Pit Bulls on children and other individuals.
