Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The Shack Owners Welfare Society has called on the Goa government to strengthen measures for managing stray dogs in crowded tourist locations, saying the issue requires attention to the safety of beachgoers, residents and people employed along the coastline.
Society president Cruz Cardozo said the organisation had submitted a representation to the government seeking action on stray dog-related concerns and compliance with the relevant Supreme Court directions.
He said the objective was to find a workable solution that protects people while ensuring animals are treated humanely. Cardozo called for coordination between government departments and other authorities, along with veterinary assistance, designated facilities and clear procedures for carrying out the necessary measures.
He stressed that the association was seeking a responsible resolution rather than confrontation and expressed its willingness to work with the government to address the matter within the framework of the law.
In a representation dated June 30, 2026, the Shack Owners Association of Goa had pressed for the implementation of Supreme Court directions concerning stray dogs in crowded public spaces. The locations highlighted included tourist destinations, beaches, recreational areas, religious premises and institutional zones.
The association also urged the government to circulate a public advisory across the state to inform people about restrictions on feeding stray dogs in specified high-footfall areas. These included streets, beaches, tourist attractions, children’s parks, airports, seaports and religious sites.
Cardozo had separately raised the issue with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, drawing attention to the directions concerning feeding stray dogs only at designated locations in municipal wards, rather than on streets or other prohibited areas.
The association has called for public awareness and effective implementation of the applicable directions, maintaining that public safety and animal welfare must be addressed together, particularly in Goa’s busy tourist destinations.
