Given the fact that the Goa Government has been unable to address and redress the grievances of humans, it should at least try to ensure that our State is freed of the alarming menace of stray dogs and cattle. The stray dog and cattle population has reached frightening levels plaguing every nook and corner of the State which is very worrisome. Even our beaches have not been spared. The government needs to tackle this issue with a sense of urgency so that people can walk on the streets and travel on the roads without any hindrance. The stray dog population is multiplying all over with every city and village infested with the menace. The anguish and distress faced by a victim of a dog bite are only to be experienced or seen. Many years ago a toddler at Ribandar lost both eyes after being attacked and mauled by a stray dog. He is growing up now without eyes. Lots of people are also terrified of their bark, growl and being chased risking personal injury, anxiety and fear. Authorities should consider the seriousness of the stray dog menace. The welfare of dogs cannot supersede the well being of humans. Over the years crores have been spent on tackling the stray dog menace but the situation is just getting shoddier. The so-called sterilisation programme is just not working. Sterilization alone can anyway never be the only solution to this grave and the alarming crisis of stray dogs. There is a need to educate people on their responsibility for owning pets and garbage management so that strays are not encouraged to be attracted to easily available litter and garbage on our streets and neighbourhood.
