Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 12: The Goa government has invited residents, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and animal welfare groups to adopt stray dogs found along the state's beaches before authorities proceed with sterilisation, vaccination and relocation to authorised animal shelters.
The Department of Tourism has given interested individuals and organisations seven days to submit applications expressing their willingness to adopt the dogs. The initiative comes amid the Supreme Court's ongoing scrutiny of stray dog management in public places across the country.
The state government has decided to treat beach stretches frequented by residents and tourists as public places falling within the ambit of the Supreme Court's directions in a suo motu writ petition concerning stray dogs.
Under the proposed plan, the Tourism Department intends to facilitate the sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs found along Goa's beaches, followed by their relocation to designated and authorised animal shelters, in accordance with applicable laws, court directions and animal welfare guidelines.
However, the government has provided an opportunity for members of the public and animal welfare organisations to adopt the dogs before further action is taken.
Applicants must provide their names and addresses, proof of address, the number of dogs they intend to adopt and an undertaking to ensure proper care, feeding, shelter and welfare of the animals.
Applications must be submitted to the Department of Tourism at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, Panaji.
The department has stated that dogs for which no adoption applications are received within the stipulated period will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and the Supreme Court's directions. This may include sterilisation, vaccination and relocation to authorised shelters, wherever permissible.
The department has emphasised that the entire process must be carried out humanely, with due regard for the safety and welfare of the animals.
The initiative seeks public participation in addressing the presence of stray dogs along Goa's beaches, among the state's most frequented public spaces. It also highlights the challenge of balancing public safety and tourist interests with the need to ensure humane treatment of animals.
The department's notice, issued on October 9, outlines the proposed course of action but does not specify the number of stray dogs identified along Goa's beaches, the capacity of authorised shelters or the arrangements and timelines for relocation.