PANAJI
The government's decision to ban two of the ferocious dog breeds – Rottweiler and Pitbull in Goa soon has drawn mixed reactions from NGOs, and those handling and training dogs.
The government also announced that an ordinance will be issued to amend the laws.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced this on Wednesday asking the existing owners of Rottweiler and Pitbull to register their pets. Also fresh import of these two breeds will be prohibited.
Registration will help track the number and locations of these breeds in the State and the authorities will ensure compliance once the registration process begins, according to the Chief Minister.
“PETA India applauds the Goa government for taking steps toward prohibiting certain foreign dog breeds which are bred for aggression and to be used in illegal dog fights following our letter dated September 1, 2024 to the Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services,” said Shaurya Agrawal, advocacy associate at PETA India, while speaking to The Goan.
“We have also recommended that the dogs already in people’s homes be mandatorily sterilised and registered and that no further prohibited dogs be allowed to be bred, sold, or kept in Goa,” stated Agrawal.
“Pitbulls and Rottweilers are a risk to human lives. Since the start of this year, numerous incidents of pit bull and Rottweiler attacks have been reported, with one of them in Assagao, Goa, where a Rottweiler attacked a man on the street and bit him on his leg. In a famous case last year, a 7-year-old boy was attacked and killed by a Pitbull in Anjuna,” said Agrawal.
In its letter to the Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, PETA India requested prohibiting the breeding, selling, and keeping of pit bulls and other foreign dog breeds specifically bred for fighting and aggression.
According to PETA, Pitbull type dogs are the most abused breeds on the planet because they are typically only used for dog fights, as guard and attack dogs to live a miserable life at the end of a chain. They are usually kept by people who are attracted to their tough image and typically trained and treated with violence and neglect, making them fearful and defensive.
“Despite being illegal per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, dogfights are becoming prevalent in parts of India. Pitbulls are purposely chosen, as they are among the ‘bully breeds’. Originally bred for bull baiting and bear baiting (a practice still very popular in Pakistan), they are now used for dog fighting,” said Agrawal.
“There is no doubt that the decision by the Goa Cabinet has been taken in the light of the safety and security concerns of the public, as there were incidents in the past when these furious breeds have attacked kids or even adults. However, a total ban is not the right solution to this issue,” said dog trainer Oscar Silveira who runs a dog hostel in Margao where owners keep their pets when out of town.
Silveira however, asked if a ban will stop dog bites and suggested that a heavy fine should be imposed on irresponsible dog owners along with imprisonment. Many other breeds and stray dogs also bite and attack humans violently when left hungry, he pointed out.
Veterinary expert and CEO and founder of ‘My Pet OPD – Clinic on Wheels, Dr Yuvraj Kaginkar opines that putting a ban on these two breeds is not the solution; neither is stopping them from breeding further.
“There should be no ban on breeds as banning specific breeds is not the solution. Instead, prohibiting cross-breeding to prevent unpredictable behaviour can help. Stringent rules and regulations are required. The government should establish strict guidelines for housing and caring for Rottweilers and Pitbulls.
Authorities should conduct regular inspections to ensure pet owners comply with guidelines. And there should be penalties for non-compliance. Heavy penalties should be imposed on those who fail to follow guidelines.”
Dr Yuvraj, who attends night emergencies of pets and offers 24x7 pet ambulance services, points out that other breeds like Labradors, German shepherds and Doberman can also be ferocious. Even Alsatians and Pomeranian can be ferocious sometimes just like stray dogs. Having 25 plus years of experience in the veterinary domain suggests alternative solutions instead of ban.
“Additional measures like public education and awareness would go a long way in educating the public on responsible pet ownership and safety guidelines. The government should establish guidelines for pet care, such as compulsorily producing annual vaccination and health certificates to local authorities, using leashes or chains in public, ensuring proper gate security and providing dog kennels for safe confinement,” suggests Dr Yuvraj and emphasises the importance of seeking advice from experts before implementing breed-specific bans or regulations.
