The Governor of Goa has given assent to the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestication (Regulation and Compensation) Act, 2025, a landmark law empowering the State government to declare any breed or class of animals as ‘ferocious’ and prohibit their domestication, breeding and import. Under the Act, once a breed is officially notified as ferocious, all existing owners must inform the Director of Animal Husbandry in writing within 30 days. They are also required to sterilise the animal within 60 days and obtain a sterilisation certificate from the department. Failure to comply will attract penalties, including simple imprisonment ranging from 15 days to three months, fines of up to Rs 50,000, and in certain cases mandatory community service. Courts may also allow community service in lieu of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
The State assembly had earlier passed the bill, which seeks to restrict the domestication and breeding of animals classified as ferocious, while also laying down a compensation framework in cases of attacks. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to three months for violations. The legislation follows a series of incidents in Goa involving ferocious dog breeds—particularly Pitbulls and Rottweilers—that left several children with serious injuries.
The high-profile cases triggered public Governor clears law to ban ferocious breeds in Goa outrage and demands for stricter regulation of aggressive breeds. The Act also provides for compensation to victims injured or killed by animals declared ferocious. Claims must be filed within six months of the incident, and the competent authority is required to dispose of them within three months. Appeals may be made before the Administrative Tribunal of Goa. To aid enforcement, the Director of Animal Husbandry will maintain an official register of animals declared ferocious. The state government has also been empowered to frame rules and address any implementation difficulties. The financial memorandum attached to the Act notes that its enforcement will not place any additional bur