Team Goemkarponn
CURCHOREM: A month-long free Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination drive in Curchorem has concluded, with a significant number of street and pet dogs covered under the initiative.
During the campaign, a total of 852 dogs were sterilised, while 1,056 were administered anti-rabies vaccines. The programme was carried out by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) Goa in collaboration with Mission Rabies India, with support from the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council and the panchayats of Xeldem and Assolda.
Dr Stacy Sequeira, Director of WVS HICKS Goa, said the teams worked extensively across designated areas to safely capture and treat community dogs. She added that veterinary staff and volunteers ensured that all animals were handled with care and underwent the procedures in a humane manner.
The initiative also saw active involvement from local residents. Pet owners made use of the helpline services to schedule appointments and brought their animals for sterilisation and vaccination. According to Dr Sequeira, the positive response reflected a growing sense of responsibility among citizens towards managing the stray dog population.
Experts highlight that sterilisation programmes, commonly referred to as ABC, are among the most effective and humane ways to control the population of community animals over time. Such efforts help prevent the birth of large numbers of stray animals, reducing issues such as hunger, disease, and human-animal conflict.
Dr Sequeira noted that the success of the camp underscores the importance of coordinated action between organisations, local bodies, and the community. She added that beyond the numbers, the initiative marks a step forward in promoting public health, animal welfare, and peaceful coexistence.
