Zero registrations expose gaps in community animal management plan; councillors’ role under scanner
MARGAO
Margao Municipal Council’s exercise making it mandatory for the dog feeders in the commercial capital to register with the civic body has turned a non-starter, even as questions are raised in Municipal circles whether any of the 25 councillors including civic chief Damu Shirodkar has in any manner offered their help and assistance to arrange for feeding community animals residing within their premises.
In November last, the MMC has made it mandatory for all dog feeders within its jurisdiction to register by providing their name, address, phone number, and location of feeding, with the notice strictly prohibiting feeding community dogs on the streets.
“Feeders are obligated to provide food and water to street dogs only within the designated zones and must maintain cleanliness, including proper sanitation and disposal of leftover food,” the notice reads.
Nearly two months down the line, Municipal officials have admitted that the civic body has received not a single registration from dog feeders till date, though many animal lovers and citizens are involved in feeding stray dogs not only out of love for animals but on account of the miserable failure by the Municipality to tackle the stray dog menace head on.
In fact, Margao Municipal Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar made a fervent plea to the members of the Local Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee set up in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rule, 2023 to help the civic body to get the dog feeders share details such as names, contact numbers and feeding location/ zones of the dog feeders.
By the same notice, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) on November 26 issued a public notice appealing to Resident Welfare Associations, Housing Cooperative Societies, and Apartment/Building Owner Associations to make necessary arrangements for feeding the community dogs residing within their respective premises.
Invoking Rule 20 (Feeding for community Animals) of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, the Margao Municipal Council has requested the Resident Welfare Associations, Housing Societies, Apartment Owner Associations, and area councillors to arrange for feeding community animals residing within their premises. This includes identifying individuals who currently feed or wish to feed these animals as an act of compassion.
The public notice had mandated the associations to designate feeding spots mutually agreed upon, based on local dog populations and territorial patterns. These spots must be away from children’s play areas, entrances/exits, staircases, or any place frequently used by children or senior citizens.
They were further told to fix feeding timings that avoid periods when children or senior citizens are likely to be present and to ensure designated feeders maintain cleanliness, avoid littering, and follow the guidelines of their respective associations.
Questions are being raised in the corridors of the civic body whether any of the 25 councillors have contributed in any manner to arrange for feeding community animals residing within their premises.
