Strays debate heats up as GAF cites gaps in infra

PANAJI
The Goa Animal Federation (GAF), an organisation advocating for the welfare of community animals, has raised concern over what it termed “erroneous and inadvertent” response from certain authorities and stakeholders to the recent Supreme Court order directing removal of stray dogs from certain institutions while demanding construction of animal shelters and fencing of institutions like schools and hospitals before acting on the directions.

At a press conference held in Panaji on Friday, GAF representatives explained that the apex court’s interim order of November 7, applies only to four categories of institutions – schools and colleges, hospitals, railway and bus stations, and sports complexes.“The order does not extend to gated complexes, markets, societies, or public streets,” the Federation clarified, stressing that in such places community dogs will continue to be managed under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 (ABC 2023) of the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Representatives of the Federation including journalist Prakash Kamat, PAWS President Shweta Sardesai, and veterinarian Dr Stacey Sequeira, among others, who addressed the media said Part IV of the Apex Court’s order requires fencing of the identified institutions within eight weeks.

“Goa has over 1,100 government and government-aided schools, besides hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, and sports complexes. Without fencing, the removal of dogs would be futile as new animals would simply enter the premises,” they said.

Another major concern raised was the absence of designated shelters in Goa.

“The order stipulates that dogs removed from these four categories of institutions must be sterilised, vaccinated, and then housed in shelters built in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960,” Kamat said, adding that these shelters must provide roofing, segregation of packs, adequate staffing, food, water, cleaning, isolation for diseased dogs, and treatment facilities. 

“No dog can be picked up until these shelters are ready,” he said and cautioned that any attempt to dump dogs without proper facilities would amount to contempt of court and violation of the PCA Act.

GAF also clarified that the order does not ban feeding of community dogs, even within the specified institutions. “Feeding remains protected under Rule 20 of ABC 2023, and cruelty towards animals or harassment of feeders continues to be a criminal offence, he added.

While acknowledging the intent of the order to ensure safety in sensitive spaces like schools and hospitals, GAF argued that the plan is impractical and financially wasteful. 

“Goa does not have a single long-term shelter. Constructing and maintaining such facilities indefinitely will drain public funds. The proven solution worldwide is sterilisation, not incarceration,” GAF said.

GAF says systemic failures, not dogs, are the issue, noting government data showing most bites involve pets.