Locals want continuity of Mission Rabies drive, long-term plan
A visitor to the world famous Colva beach feeding stray dogs with biscuits.
MARGAO
The presence of stray dogs on the world-famous Colva beach remains a concern, with visitors often encountering large numbers along the shoreline — indicating that a coordinated, sustained response to the issue is still lacking.
Some time ago, the NGO Mission Rabies had launched an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme along the Salcete coastal belt to sterilise stray dogs found in beach areas. The initiative covered the stretch from Cavelossim-Mobor to Colva, with representatives working to sterilise dogs both on the beach and in surrounding localities.
However, both locals and tourists believe that such efforts must be ongoing, supported by cooperation between local governing bodies and relevant authorities.
“It doesn’t reflect well on a beach of international repute to have so many stray dogs roaming freely. The sterilisation drive launched by Mission Rabies was certainly a step in the right direction, but it needs to be a continuous effort, driven by a long-term vision to effectively tackle the issue,” commented a local resident.
The issue of stray dogs had prominently figured in the just concluded session of the Goa Legislative Assembly wherein members had expressed their concern over the rising stray dog population in the State.
The Salcete coastal belt, in particular, had witnessed a surge in dog bite cases last season, including Benaulim, Cavelossim-Mobor and Colva. The burning situation had prompted the sarpanch of Cavelossim panchayat Dixon Vaz to initiate measures, including a dog shelter with the support of the hospitality industry to tackle the menace.
