Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has kicked off a new round of sterilisation drives targeting stray dogs across North and South Goa. The initiative aims to manage the growing population of stray dogs in the state while promoting humane and effective animal control.
Nitin Naik, Director of AH&VS, announced that trained staff would be deployed daily to carry out neutering operations in both districts. The sterilisation efforts will be region-specific, with North Goa procedures taking place at Noah’s Animal Care Shelter and those in South Goa being conducted at People for Animals (PFA).
“Our team is capable of handling up to 30 dogs per day,” Naik said, adding that the actual number of dogs sterilised will depend on how many strays are brought in by collaborating non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
A recent sterilisation camp in South Goa successfully neutered 562 dogs, a significant step in controlling the stray dog population. The focus will now shift to North Goa, where a new sterilisation phase is scheduled to begin.
Dr. Murugan Appupillai, Director and Educator at Mission Rabies, highlighted the success of a previous campaign that saw over 500 dogs sterilised in collaboration with AH&VS. The joint effort, which ran from April 1 to April 19, has paved the way for the upcoming phase, which will target beaches in North Goa.
“This continued partnership with AH&VS, Mission Rabies, the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), and local NGOs is crucial for the success of these sterilisation efforts,” Dr. Appupillai said.
The sterilisation campaign is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of stray dogs on the streets while ensuring the health and safety of both animals and humans in Goa. The project will also focus on educating communities about responsible pet ownership to help maintain sustainable progress in managing the stray dog population.
The public is encouraged to report sightings of stray dogs to the relevant authorities to ensure timely intervention. The AH&VS is optimistic that the continued collaboration with NGOs and animal welfare groups will help reduce the stray dog population over time, creating a safer and more humane environment for both residents and animals.
