the goan I network
VALPOI
Over 600 stray and domestic dogs are to be vaccinated against rabies and operated for birth control in Valpoi town, as part of a massive drive by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) to tackle rabies and the dog population in the region.
The project is fully funded by Valpoi MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who has taken the initiative to protect the people from increasing number of dog bites and reduce rabies deaths.
The drive to tackle rabies and the dog population in Valpoi town began on Wednesday at a function at the Veterinary Dispensary of valpoi in the presence of VMC Chairperson Parveen Shaikh, other councillors, WVS Goa Clinical Director Dr Karlette Fernandes and her team.
Speaking to The Goan, Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane expressed serious concern over an increase in dog population in Sattari taluka.
“There is considerable fear among people of Sattari taluka, especially because stray dogs are found in every nook and corner of the taluka.”
“With this mission, the dog population can be brought under control and the drive will initially start in Valpoi town, before moving to other panchayats in Sattari taluka,” said Rane.
Sattari has over 3,000 dogs: WVS
VALPOI: Stating that Sattari taluka has over 3,000 stray and domestic dogs, Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) Goa Clinical Director Dr Karlette Fernandes has said they aim to get 90% of dogs vaccinated against rabies and sterilized for birth control.
Highlighting the issue of rabies, Dr Fernandes said an average of 100 children die each day due to rabies, with India and Africa accounting for the highest number of rabies related deaths. Briefing people on their mission to control dog population in Sattari taluka, Dr Fernandes said Valpoi town would be a priority to complete this mission, followed by surrounding panchayats in the taluka. “If we vaccinate and control the birth of more dogs, our people will be safe. So dog population control is the only way forward,” said Dr Fernandes.
Later interacting with The Goan, Dr Fernandes said the WVS had attended to 1,000 dogs across Sankhali last month, as part of an initiative by Sakhali Municipal Council Chairperson Dharmesh Saglani.
