The Goa government has officially brought into force the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestication (Regulation and Compensation) Act, 2025, following approval by Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju on September 11.
The law allows the State to declare any breed or class of animals as “ferocious” through a gazette notification. Once designated, their breeding, import, or ownership will be prohibited in Goa.
Animal owners will be held fully liable for their pets’ actions. In cases where a ferocious animal injures or kills a person or another animal, the owner must provide compensation, including to the heirs of victims.
Current owners of animals later classified as ferocious must notify the Director of Animal Husbandry within 30 days and sterilise them within 60 days, producing an official sterilisation certificate.
Non-compliance can attract 15 days to three months’ imprisonment, fines up to ₹50,000, or community service, with courts empowered to substitute jail terms with service where appropriate.
The Act also requires the appointment of a competent authority and the creation of official records to regulate disclosures by owners.