PANAJI
In preparation for the observation of World Rabies Day (September 28), Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (Goacan) will launch an awareness drive on various issues linked to animal health and welfare, animal-human conflict, related policies and legislation and the responsibilities of citizens, village panchayats and municipal councils.
During the fortnight long awareness drive, GOACAN will give special focus to the recently notified animal health and welfare policy by the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service and the standard operating procedure issued by the Goa State Animal Welfare Board (GSAWB) for offences of animal cruelty, informed Roland Martins, coordinator, Goacan.
“We will reach out to consumers during the awareness fortnight through the village-based consumer forums and campus based consumer welfare clubs with this information as well as the helplines available for the rescue of animals, reporting cases of animal cruelty and the Mission Rabies emergency hotline.
"The drive will also focus on the issue of stray dogs and stray cattle, feeding stray animals in open spaces, the responsibilities of the village panchayats and municipal councils and the schemes presently available with DAHVS to tackle the same.
"Also, the role of pet owners, guidelines for maintaining pets in housing complexes, need for the registration of pet dogs, registration of pet shops and dog breeders will be highlighted,” stated Martins.
The consumers are invited to send their suggestions and complaints by post to Goacan complaints cell, Post Box 187, Margao, 403601 or by email to [email protected]
