CURCHOREM
Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) Chairperson Vishwas Sawant on Thursday stated that the Council will take a decision on stray dogs and cattle menace affecting the locals after they receive guidelines from the Supreme Court.
At the first Council meeting convened recently, the issue of stray dogs menace and stray cattle came up for discussion. The councillors complained that locals are facing problems over the increasing number of stray dogs and cattle on the roads in Curchorem-Cacora area, thus posing a danger to motorists, especially two-wheeler riders.
When contacted, CCMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said the Council had appointed a cattle impounder to address the problem of stray cattle, however, due to the recent municipal council election, he was deputed on duty at Quepem Mamlatdar office, and therefore he is yet to report to the Council.
“In the absence of a cattle impounder, I can't take any step ahead to curb the menace,” added Fernandes.
When questioned whether CCMC has received any complaint against stray cattle menace, the Chief Officer replied that such matters are directed to the police station, pointing out that it is the police who lift the cattle and send it to the government cattle farm at Kalay.
He also admitted that the number of stray dogs are increasing, and emphasised on the need to curb this menace. “I am yet to receive the Supreme Court notification to take necessary action on stray dogs,” he said.
The CCMC Chairperson said the Council was waiting for the Apex Court notification, and assured that as soon as they get it, they will initiate prompt action.
“The Council will conduct a study and identify locations where stray dogs are frequented, and after catching them, the dogs will be handed over to the NGO, Goa Animal Welfare Trust (GAWT),” said Sawant.
“We have informed Curchorem locals to pay an annual fee of Rs 100 to CCMC for buying a dog tag, which will help us to identify strays from domesticated dogs,” he added.
