Team Goemkarponn
RAIA: The Goa government is gearing up to implement the Supreme Court’s recent directive to round up stray dogs from areas around schools, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations, and house them in dedicated shelters.
Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Harlankar assured that the government has sufficient land and facilities to establish the shelters, with the Animal Husbandry Department already possessing adequate space. He said the Chief Secretary is finalising the plan of action to ensure the Supreme Court order is executed in both letter and spirit. “We will start identifying 4–5 locations for dog shelters soon. Space will not be an issue,” the Minister said.
Harlankar emphasised the importance of sterilisation under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, urging NGOs and veterinary professionals to actively participate. He assured full government support for these initiatives to effectively manage the stray dog population.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle stray cattle, with the government providing 100 per cent subsidy for hydraulic vehicles used to transport animals to gaushalas. He added that panchayats and municipalities must formalise MoUs with gaushalas to avail the benefits.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a new ground-plus-three-storey Animal Husbandry hospital at Sonsodo, Raia. Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco said the facility, equipped with modern operation theatres, X-ray machines, and other veterinary amenities, will serve farmers and residents across South Goa, with the office of the Deputy Director also located in the hospital.
