In Goa, particularly on beaches in South Goa, there have been reports of increasing stray dog bite incidents. The tourism industry is already facing a difficult phase due to issues like climate change, the taxi mafia, women’s safety, road accidents, and garbage.
Now, with animal encounters like bull and dog attacks on international tourists, the impact will be even bigger. One solution to curb this menace lies with animal welfare NGOs, which work with municipalities to capture, sterilise, and provide shelter for strays.
However, there are ongoing issues between these NGOs and municipalities regarding unpaid salaries to dog catchers. This may take time to resolve. In the meantime, can the panchayat coordinate with citizens, especially dog feeders, to take up the sterilisation project? Municipalities should also organise periodic camps, which are currently being held but with poor frequency and participation.
