MAPUSA
With just days left before the deadline for a statewide survey of stray dogs and cattle, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has not received survey data from any panchayat or civic body, raising questions over the progress of the exercise ordered in compliance with the High Court’s directions.
Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr Nitin Naik said the deadline for submitting the survey reports is October 22, after which the department will compile the data and identify the local bodies that have complied and those that have failed to submit their reports.
“So far, we have not received any material from any of the panchayats or civic bodies. In any case, the deadline to submit the surveys is October 22. Once we receive the details, we will compile the information on how many have submitted and how many have not, and present that record before the High Court,” Naik said.
The status assumes significance as the matter is scheduled to come up before the High Court on October 26, leaving only four days between the submission deadline and the next hearing for the department to assess compliance and place the consolidated information before the court.
Acting on the High Court’s directions, the Directorate of Panchayats had issued a memorandum instructing local bodies across Goa to conduct surveys of stray dogs and cattle within their respective jurisdictions.
The exercise covers all 191 village panchayats, 13 municipal councils and the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
The survey is intended to establish a clearer picture of the stray animal population across the State and provide the authorities with information to assess the scale of the issue and plan appropriate measures.
Stray dogs and cattle on public roads remain a concern, particularly over public safety, traffic movement and the responsibilities of local authorities in managing the problem.
With the department yet to receive any survey material, the immediate challenge is to ensure that the local bodies complete the exercise and submit their findings within the stipulated period.
