PANAJI: In a move to address the rising incidents of attack by aggressive dogs, the Goa cabinet today decided to impose a ban on the import and sale of 'ferocious' dog breeds Rottweiler and Pitbull.
Addressing a press conference post-cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the Cabinet had approved an amendment to the existing Act and an Ordinance would be promulgated soon.
With the Ordinance coming into force, Sawant said that there would be a complete ban on the import and sale of Rottweiler and Pitbull in the State.
“Owners who already have these breeds must register them and ensure they do not bite anyone. They will be held solely responsible in case of any incident,” Sawant added.
The ban comes following recent incidents of dog attacks, reported last month, wherein a man was attacked by a Rottweiler in Assagao. Last year in August, a 7-year-old boy was mauled by a pitbull in Anjuna.
The government through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has already commenced a census to register the pet dogs as well as stray as part of Livestock Census.
Meanwhile, in yet another major decision, Sawant stated that the Cabinet approved the formation of the Department of Drinking Water (DDW), which will be led by the Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD). The government also plans to shift all sewerage-related matters from the PWD to the Sewerage Corporation, leaving the PWD to focus solely on roads and buildings.
“With the formation of new departments, each sector will receive 100 per cent attention,” Sawant said, adding that PWD engineers would be given the first opportunity to transfer to the DDW at the same level.
Addressing concerns about an ongoing overseas job scam, the Chief Minister stated that the government, through the NRI Commission, is monitoring the situation. “Many Goans have fallen victim to such scams. I urge people to stay cautious and not fall prey to fraudulent recruitment agents,” he warned.
