July 25,2025:
The Goa Legislative Assembly has passed a new bill that prohibits the ownership of ferocious animals as pets, imposing strict penalties on violators, including a fine of ₹50,000 and imprisonment ranging from 15 days to three months. The bill, aimed at enhancing public safety and curbing illegal animal domestication, will become law once it receives the Governor’s assent.
The legislation outlines that individuals found keeping ferocious animals—defined as species considered dangerous to human life—will be subject to a minimum imprisonment of 15 days, which may extend to three months, along with a mandatory fine of ₹50,000. The bill also mandates compulsory community service for all offenders. However, in certain instances, the courts may allow community service in lieu of jail time.
State officials stated that the bill responds to growing concerns over the rise in private ownership of wild and dangerous animals, often kept without appropriate permits or safety measures. Several incidents involving escaped or poorly handled exotic pets have raised alarms among both authorities and the public.
Once enacted, the law will empower local authorities to take action against individuals who keep wild, exotic, or otherwise aggressive animals as domestic pets. Officials also confirmed that a detailed list of banned species will be released soon, ensuring clarity for pet owners and enforcement agencies.
Animal rights organizations have welcomed the move, calling it a significant step towards both public safety and animal welfare. “This law discourages the unethical and unsafe practice of keeping wild animals at home. It’s a progressive step that should be replicated across other states,” said an animal welfare activist based in Panaji.
Under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, possession of many wild species is already restricted or illegal. However, enforcement has been inconsistent. The new Goa-specific legislation aims to strengthen enforcement mechanisms within the state and introduce state-level penalties.
Pet owners and animal lovers have urged the government to ensure clear communication around the definitions and scope of the ban, amid concerns that some exotic but non-dangerous species could be mistakenly classified as ferocious. In response, the state government plans to roll out public awareness campaigns and guidelines to help residents understand and comply with the new regulations.
The bill is expected to act as a strong deterrent against the illegal pet trade and reduce incidents of human-animal conflict in residential areas. Once signed by the Governor, the law will be officially enacted, making Goa one of the few Indian states to implement such specific and strict measures against the ownership of ferocious animals.
