PANAJI: In compliance with the recent Supreme Court directives on stray animal management, the Government of Goa has appointed Nodal Officers at the State, Taluka, and Municipality levels to address issues related to stray animals.
The Supreme Court last week directed all States and Union Territories to ensure that stray dogs are removed from hospitals, educational institutions, sports complexes, bus terminals, and railway stations.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria made Chief Secretaries personally accountable for enforcing the directions, and instructed local authorities to capture, vaccinate, sterilise, and relocate stray dogs to authorised shelters.
Acting on the directives, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in Goa has issued an order today, appointing Nodal Officers who will act as key points of contact for issues concerning stray animals, including medical treatment, rescue operations, and coordination with law enforcement agencies, local bodies, and animal welfare organisations.
At the State level, Dr Prakash Korgaonkar, Deputy Director (Planning), Head Office, Panaji, has been designated as the Nodal Officer.
In North Goa, officers appointed for each taluka include Dr Natasha Asolkar (Bardez), Dr Gayatridas Gauthankar (Bicholim), Dr Vaibhav Parab (Pernem), Dr Yogesh Naik (Sattari), and Dr Priya Dalal (Tiswadi).
In South Goa, the list includes Dr Arpita Naik (Canacona), Dr Deepika Prabhakar (Mormugao), Dr Atanazia Fernandes (Salcete), Dr Manish Bale (Sanguem), Dr Malory Maria Ferrao (Quepem), Dr Natasha Rachel Coutinho (Ponda), and Dr Ketan Chowgule (Dharbandora).
The Nodal Officers have been tasked with ensuring prompt medical care, rescue operations, and effective coordination among agencies for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s orders. The directive also calls for close collaboration between municipal bodies, police departments, and animal welfare groups to ensure humane and systematic management of stray animals across Goa.
