Goa, known for its vibrant nightlife and serene beaches, has always been a favourite vacation spot for Indians. However, several incidents involving aggressive dogs like Rottweilers and Pitbulls have been reported over the past few years. Addressing this situation, the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestication Regulation and Compensation Bill 2025 will be presented during the monsoon session of the Goa Assembly, to be held from July 21 to August 8.
The Purpose Of The New Bill To Ban Dogs In Goa
Due to many unforeseen incidents of dog attacks, the government officials initially decided to amend the existing ordinance 2024. However, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, later stated that instead of continuing ordinance 2024, the cabinet would introduce a new bill. The bill proposes to ban the import, breeding and keeping of aggressive dogs that may harm tourists and residents.
While the official list will be released once the bill is passed, breeds like Rottweilers and Pitbulls are likely to be banned. But what about the pet owners who own breeds that could soon be banned? According to Hindustan Times reports, Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar revealed that those who already own aggressive dogs will be allowed to keep them until they ensure the pets don’t cause harm to anyone. They would have to sterilise and register their pets under the Department of Animal Husbandry. And if anyone fails to follow the rules, they will have to pay the penalties.
Incidents Of Aggressive Dog Attacks
As per the reports of Hindustan Times, the Chief Minister of Goa had already decided to ban aggressive dogs back in 2023, after a dreadful incident where a Rottweiler attacked two children. Later, incidents of a five-year-old baby killed by a Pitbull and a 40-year-old man injured after an attack by a Rottweiler in North Goa also came to light.
As per the data shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Lok Sabha in April, the dog bite cases in Goa rose significantly. It increased from 8,057 in 2022 to 11,904 in 2023 and further surged to 17,236 in 2024, Hindustan Times reported. In January 2025 alone, 1,789 cases of dog bites were reported.
The severity and surge in such cases call for a significant step towards ensuring public safety. What are your thoughts on this decision? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: 10 Best Beachfront Airbnbs In Goa You HAVE To Book For Your Next Coastal Vacay
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Alberto Clemares/ Chaivit