The three-week camp is organised by Model Margao, along with Mission Rabies, Worldwide Veterinary Services, and the Margao Municipal Council at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium complex. The aim is to control the dog population and protect people from dog bites.
In his address, the Minister urged residents of Margao to cooperate with the teams involved in catching and sterilising dogs to ensure the programme’s success. “Anti-rabies vaccination and sterilisation of dogs is an important issue in the city. People have raised concerns, and there have been cases of dog bites. We also receive calls to handle and treat dogs. This camp will give residents a chance to benefit from these services,” he said.
He also appealed to citizens to bring their pet dogs for anti-rabies vaccination and to consult doctors if they have any questions.
Model Margao convenor Yogiraj Kamat said the camp was organised in response to public demand for dog sterilisation. He added that teams will visit different wards in Margao to catch dogs and bring them to the centre for the procedure. “We seek the cooperation of the people to help solve this issue in the city,” he said.
Dr Murugam of Mission Rabies said the initiative, led by Digambar Kamat and Model Margao, will help control the stray dog population. He added that such camps should serve as a model for other civic bodies to follow in managing stray dogs.
