The month-long free Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination camp concluded in Curchorem, with 852 dogs sterilised for birth control and 1,056 vaccinated against rabies.
Conducted jointly by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) Goa and Mission Rabies India, with the support of Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, as well as the Xeldem and Assolda panchayats, the camp brought together coordinated institutional effort and community participation on the ground.
“Our outreach and catching teams covered extensive designated areas to humanely bring in street dogs for one-time, birth control surgical procedure and anti-rabies vaccination. The veterinary teams and volunteers also ensured each animal received care with patience and compassion,” stated Dr Stacy Sequeira, Director of WVS HICKS Goa.
Dr Sequeira said the response from the local community was encouraging and positive.
“Pet owners actively participated by calling our helpline to book appointments and bringing their animals to the camp for sterilisation and vaccination against rabies. Many expressed a shared sense of responsibility and a willingness to contribute towards controlling the street dog overpopulation in a humane and sustainable way.”
Spaying and neutering (also known as Animal Birth Control or ABC) are widely recognised as effective, humane, and long-term methods for controlling animal populations, particularly among community dogs and cats.
“Through mass, free ABC programmes like this, the birth of thousands of dogs can be prevented, which reduces the number of street dogs that face hunger, homelessness, displacement, cruelty, or disease and reduces the conflict between them and humans,” said Dr Sequeira.
“This initiative highlights what can be achieved through proper planning, collaboration, and community involvement. Beyond the numbers, it represents a meaningful shift towards coexistence, improved public health, and better welfare for street animals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all partners, supporters, and community members who contributed to making this camp a success.”
