Your dog could land you in jail! Goa’s new 2025 law cracks down on ferocious breeds, here’s what pet owners must know

With more cases of dog attacks being reported, the Goa government is planning to bring a new law called the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestication (Regulation and Compensation) Bill, 2025. This bill will stop people from keeping or breeding ferocious animals and will also ban bringing such breeds into Goa.

Under the proposed law, if anyone keeps or breeds dangerous animals after the law is passed, they could face up to three months in jail, a fine of Rs 50,000, and mandatory community service.

The state government will have the power to declare certain breeds as ferocious. Before doing that, they will give a 15-day notice to the public and ask for objections or suggestions. After considering public input, a final list of banned breeds will be announced.

Strict Rules for Animal Owners

Once a breed is declared ferocious, the law will ban people from keeping, breeding, or bringing those animals into Goa.

If someone already owns such an animal, they must inform the authorities within 30 days and get the animal sterilised within 60 days. A certificate will be given once the sterilisation is done. If someone breaks these rules, they can face legal punishment.

The bill also allows courts to consider the background of the offender and the situation of the case. If found suitable, the court may allow community service instead of jail time.

Compensation for Victims of Attacks

If a ferocious animal injures someone or causes death, the owner will be held responsible. The victim or the family of the deceased can claim compensation within six months of the incident.

A government authority will conduct a quick inquiry and must give a decision within three months. If someone is unhappy with the decision, they can appeal to the Goa Administrative Tribunal within 60 days, or a maximum of one year if the delay is justified.

The tribunal's decision will be final and cannot be challenged in any other court. No court can stop any action taken under this law once it comes into effect.

Inputs from TOI