PANAJI
Amid increasing incidents of stray dog menace particularly on beaches, three tourists, an American woman and two Indian women, were bitten by stray dogs on Benaulim beach last week.
According to Drishti, in the first incident, a 56-year-old woman tourist from the United States of America was bitten by a stray dog while she was strolling on Benaulim beach. She was immediately administered first aid by lifesavers at the lifesaver tower.
The victim, however, opted to go to the hospital via private vehicle.
In the second incident also at the Benaulim beach, two domestic tourists, both women in their thirties from Ghaziabad and Mumbai, were bitten by two stray dogs.
The patrolling lifesavers who noticed the incident swung into action and contacted the nearest lifesaver tower for assistance and drove the dogs away.
First aid was administered to the injured women after which they were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Benaulim and Colva beaches are turning out to be hotspots for stray dog attacks. In May, a 24-year-old Russian woman was bitten while cycling at Benaulim while a local woman from Loutolim was bitten multiple times. A senior citizen also had a narrow escape after being chased by dogs during a morning run at Colva beach.
In an effort to work out a solution to the stray dog menace on Salcete beach belt, stakeholders have suggested setting up of a dog shelter to take care of sick and ferocious dogs, besides launching an awareness programme.
