The Goa Cabinet’s decision to ban the import, sale, and breeding of ferocious dog breeds such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers marks a bold and much-needed intervention. For years, citizens across the state have raised concerns over the rising number of violent dog attacks, many involving these specific breeds. With innocent children and unsuspecting adults falling victim to brutal maulings, this move, though controversial, is both timely and justified.
Over the past two years, Goa has witnessed multiple horrifying incidents that brought the issue to the forefront. The most heart-wrenching among them occurred in August 2024 in Anjuna, where seven-year-old Prabhas Kalangutkar was mauled to death by a Pitbull.
The child was accompanying his mother to her workplace when the dog attacked him, inflicting fatal injuries to his neck and face. Eyewitnesses stated that the dog had previously displayed aggressive behaviour, but no preventive action was taken. This tragedy shook the conscience of the state.
Another disturbing case unfolded in Taleigao in August 2023, where a Rottweiler attacked two young siblings. The children, aged five and seven, sustained serious injuries to their skulls, faces, and chests. Their survival was nothing short of a miracle. The police had to register cases against the dog’s owner for negligence and causing grievous harm. Similarly, in December 2023 in Camurlim, a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a Rottweiler. Though she survived, the attack left her physically and emotionally scarred.
Even adults have not been spared. In Assagao, a 40-year-old man was bitten on the leg by an unleashed Rottweiler while walking near a school. The owner was booked under relevant laws, but the damage was already done. The frequency of such incidents reveals a clear pattern – when these powerful breeds are not properly trained, restrained, or handled responsibly, they can pose a serious threat to public safety.
These tragic episodes aren’t isolated. Data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows that Goa reported 8,057 dog bite cases in 2022, which jumped to 11,904 in 2023. Shockingly, in 2024, the number spiked to 17,236. And in January 2025 alone, nearly 1,800 cases were recorded. Clearly, the problem is escalating, and it demands more than lip service.
In response, the Goa Cabinet approved the “Goa Animal Breeding, Domestic Regulations, and Compensation Bill, 2025.”
The bill, once passed in the Assembly, will prohibit the breeding and import of dangerous breeds like Pitbulls and Rottweilers. Existing owners must register their dogs, ensure sterilisation, and sign affidavits accepting full legal responsibility for any attacks. These provisions are aimed at not only curbing future ownership but also enforcing accountability among current owners.
Critics, including some animal rights activists, argue that banning breeds is an unfair, blanket punishment and that any dog can be dangerous if not trained properly. While that argument holds theoretical merit, the practical reality in Goa has been far grimmer. In too many cases, owners of ferocious breeds have failed to take even basic precautions, resulting in innocent lives being harmed. Public safety must come first.
At the same time, the government must also tackle the parallel menace of stray dog attacks. The tragic case of a 21-month-old toddler being mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Ponda earlier this year serves as a grim reminder that dog-related violence is not limited to pet breeds alone. A comprehensive state-wide sterilisation, vaccination, and adoption policy for strays is equally essential.
The ban, therefore, must be seen not in isolation, but as part of a larger framework to make Goa safer for its people. It sends a strong message: owning ferocious breeds is not a status symbol – it comes with serious responsibility. When that responsibility is neglected, the consequences can be fatal.
Finally, Goa’s step to ban the sale, import, and breeding of dangerous dog breeds is a proactive and preventive measure. It is a reflection of lessons learned through the tears and trauma of victims and their families. The state government must now ensure strict implementation, coupled with awareness campaigns and community support. Only then can Goa strike the right balance between animal welfare and human safety.
