Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa is preparing for a statewide animal census that will go beyond counting stray dogs, with authorities set to map pet and domesticated dogs in every ward along with their gender and sterilisation status.
The survey will be conducted from October 1 to 15 by urban and rural local bodies under the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Stray cattle found along roads and highways will also be recorded during the exercise.
The ward-wise data collection will involve door-to-door visits by panch members, ward members and councillors, with assistance from dog feeders and local volunteers.
The department has asked feeders and volunteers to approach their respective panchayat members, councillors or corporators and provide information on stray dogs and roadside cattle in their areas by September 25.
The exercise follows directions issued by the Bombay High Court at Goa in a suo motu petition concerning compliance with directions of the Supreme Court.
The inclusion of household pets means the exercise will seek to establish a broader picture of Goa’s dog population rather than focusing only on animals found on the streets. Authorities will record the number of domesticated and pet dogs in each ward, along with their male/female status and whether they have been sterilised.
The data on stray dogs, owned animals and roadside cattle is expected to give local bodies ward-level information that can be used while planning animal-management measures and assessing sterilisation coverage across the state.
