MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday informed the House that six animal collection centres currently exist across the State to impound and shelter stray cattle.
He added that the government is in the process of identifying a common facility in South Goa for housing impounded animals.
Responding during the Zero Hour, Sawant also called for cooperation from local MLAs and self-governing bodies to effectively tackle the growing stray cattle menace.
Raising the issue, Velim MLA Cruz Silva expressed concern over the safety risks posed by stray cattle, especially in areas like Velim, Chinchinim and Assolna. “These cattle often occupy roads, leading to frequent accidents at night, endangering both human and animal lives,” he said.
Silva noted that the abandoned or unsupervised animals also damage farmland and public property, causing losses to farmers and local bodies. He criticised the lack of visible action by authorities despite repeated complaints.
The MLA urged the government to launch a constituency-wide cattle management plan, enforce penalties against negligent owners, run awareness drives and explore community-driven solutions such as designated grazing zones, while ensuring coordination between panchayats, animal husbandry, and traffic police.
