PANAJI
Recent incidents of stray dog attacks, especially on Goa's beaches and roadsides, have raised concerns among residents and authorities. With the tourist season bringing numerous beach shacks into operation, improper garbage disposal has become a significant issue. Sanchita Banerjee Rodrigues, the trustee of PAWS and Shraddha Vora from Alpha Angels, both animal lovers have shared their insights into the problem and possible solutions.
Problem begins when
shacks close down
Sanchita Banerjee Rodrigues, trustee of PAWS and an animal lover explains that the problem begins when shacks close down, leaving stray dogs without their regular food source. "Dogs feed on the garbage behind the shacks. When the shacks close, the dogs have no food and see humans as a threat," she says.
She emphasizes the need for mass sterilization to control the stray dog population. "The government and NGOs can't do it alone. Shack owners and the community must work together," she suggests. Rodrigues highlights the success in Panaji, where systematic sterilization efforts have significantly reduced stray dog numbers.
Regarding the issue of people feeding stray dogs, Rodrigues advises responsibility. "Before deciding to feed, one must commit to doing it for the dog's lifespan, about 10 to 12 years. Irresponsible feeding causes more harm," she cautions. She also stresses the importance of feeding dogs in designated spots to prevent them from chasing vehicles and causing accidents.
Full stomachs mean
less aggression
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Shraddha Vora, from Alpha Angels, shares a similar perspective on the issue. She expresses sympathy for both the dogs and the people affected by the attacks. "The dogs are hungry because the shacks are closed. Communities need to come together to support these animals," she says.
Vora points out that dogs often become aggressive due to past experiences, such as being hit by vehicles. She advocates for a collaborative approach to address the problem. "We need to live in harmony with them. Feeding drives by NGOs during the monsoon are essential because starving animals become aggressive," she explains.
Addressing opposition to feeding strays, Vora highlights the legal rights of animals. "Animals have a right to live and be fed, just as humans do. Showing people the laws can help change their mindset," she notes.
Vora emphasizes individual responsibility in feeding and caring for stray animals. "Feed the two dogs outside your lane. Full stomachs mean less aggression, making it easier for NGOs to sterilize them. Sterilization prevents them from multiplying, solving half the problem," she asserts.
Solutions and
future outlook
Both experts agree that human actions are crucial in addressing the issue of stray dog attacks. "Human life comes first, but we must act responsibly. Sterilization and systematic feeding can prevent these attacks," Rodrigues states.
Vora echoes this sentiment, urging communities to change their approach. "We must teach people to live in harmony with stray animals. Fear and neglect only escalate the problem," she says.
The message is clear: solving the stray dog issue in Goa requires collective effort, responsibility, and humane treatment. By working together, communities can ensure a safer environment for both humans and animals.
Panaji: A
success story
Recent incidents of stray dog attacks on Goa's beaches and roadsides have raised concerns among residents and authorities. Improper garbage disposal by beach shacks during the tourist season has worsened the problem.
In contrast, Panaji has successfully managed its stray dog population, leading to fewer attacks. Sanchita Banerjee Rodrigues, Trustee of PAWS and an animal lover, explained how Panaji has tackled this issue.
"People must come together to solve this problem. We need to work with NGOs and initiatives like Mission Rabies for sterilization. Only then can we overcome this issue," she said.
In Panaji, systematic sterilization and feeding have significantly reduced stray dog bites. Banerjee mentioned a WhatsApp group that coordinates feeding and care for stray dogs. "If I'm going on leave, I ask someone in my lane to feed the dogs. We all help each other," she said.
When a dog is lost, the community quickly communicates to locate and help the animal. Banerjee emphasized that human lives come first, but added, "We have failed the dogs. We need to work together to address this issue humanely and effectively."
The success in Panaji shows that peoples cooperation and responsible actions can lead to safer environments for both humans and animals.
