Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa recorded 19,368 dog bite cases in 2025, including bites by stray and pet dogs, according to data shared by the Health Intelligence Bureau (HIB) on the Integrated Health Information Portal.
The information was tabled in response to an unstarred Legislative Assembly Question (LAQ No. 097) on “Stray Dogs Population”, detailing sterilisation drives, funding, NGO involvement and helpline numbers across urban local bodies in the State.
The government stated that it has enabled continuous implementation of stray dog sterilisation programmes by providing grant-in-aid to local bodies under the Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme, 2014 (Amended). However, the data reveals wide disparities in implementation among municipal councils.
The Corporation of the City of Panaji reported the highest number of sterilisations, with 2,918 dogs sterilised in 2025 through the Panjim Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). The corporation received Rs 55.63 lakh under the scheme. PAWS helpline 9226931723 is operational daily from 8 am to 8 pm to report injured or dangerous dogs.
In Ponda, a major sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drive was conducted in collaboration with World Wide Veterinary Service and Mission Rabies, resulting in 1,121 dogs sterilised, at a cost of Rs 10.32 lakh.
Margao Municipal Council, in association with World Wide Veterinary Services, reported sterilisation of 2,970 stray dogs during a camp held between October and December 2023, with an expenditure of approximately Rs 3.12 lakh, and has expressed intent to organise future camps and set up a shelter.
Several municipal councils, including Canacona, Sankhalim, Valpoi and Mapusa, reported that no sterilisation camps were conducted in 2025, though some have tied up with NGOs and indicated plans for future drives.
In Curchorem-Cacora, 243 dogs were sterilised in 2025 by the Goa Animal Welfare Trust, with Rs 33.99 lakh sanctioned, though disbursal is still under process. Sanguem Municipal Council reported limited sterilisation numbers but said additional funds of Rs 12 lakh have been sanctioned and further drives are planned.
The government has also published official helpline numbers across municipalities, handled either by councils or partnered NGOs, to report dangerous, injured or diseased dogs.
