MARGAO
It is a sheer irony that when the Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme, 2014 (Amended) provides funding to set up structures and cages to house the strays, besides providing 100 per cent funding to purchase vehicle, the ABC programme in the city has been hit by cages and dog catching van.
The city-based NGO has been struggling to manage the ABC programme with the 25 cages set up around a decade ago. The NGO has been knocking the doors of the MMC with a plea to increase the cage strength to 100, but in vain.
MMC officials in the know informed that the amended Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme, 2014 has not been taken seriously by the city fathers and Municipal babus when the scheme promises to address the issues of funding.
“We could not increase the cages and tone up the sterilisation program after the Department of Animal Husbandry replied no to the use of its quarters at Sonsodo for the programme,” the official said.
He added: “The Council, however, has not explored other avenues, including land to set up a spacious dog shelter with provision for increased number of cages to meet the growing requirements in the city.”
