It is understood that the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has fixed the fees for registration of dogs in various categories from Rs 200-300. In order to encourage the adoption of local dogs, the council has fixed the registration fees to as low as Rs. 50. This is a step in the right direction as it will reduce the stray dog menace due to abandoning of dogs by people. It will also insure that dogs are vaccinated on time. It must however be said that abandoning of dogs by the people is not the prime reason for the increase in the number of stray dogs. Littering is the reason and hence sterilization plays an important role in arresting the proliferation of stray dogs. Though the fees for registering pet dogs are nominal, the procedure seems quite cumbersome. Applicants need to fill up an application and an undertaking form and provide two photos of the dog. It would be desirable to simplify the procedure for registration as many dog owners could be illiterate. Another question that arises is whether there will be a system in place to check whether the pet dogs are registered and if a penalty will be imposed if a pet dog is not registered.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
