Despite being India’s first rabies-controlled state, Goa is launching an urgent stray dog vaccination and sterilization campaign due to a rise in the stray dog population and an increasing number of attacks on citizens.
The intensive drive will commence in Bardez taluka on Friday, February 21, and will involve both anti-rabies vaccinations and sterilization procedures.
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The campaign, conducted through the Mission Rabies organization, will deploy 32 vaccination teams, comprising 1,500 employees, 12 international volunteers, and 19 students. It is expected to continue for at least a week.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Neelkanth Halarnkar has appealed for public cooperation, emphasizing the importance of community support in ensuring the campaign’s success
Bardez Identified as a High-Risk Zone
Speaking about the initiative, Minister Halarnkar highlighted that the government was forced to intervene due to the uncontrolled growth of stray dogs, particularly in areas bordering Maharashtra.
He also urged pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated, adding that public support is crucial in reporting stray dogs.
Mission Rabies Calls for Public Cooperation
Dr. Murugan Appupillai, Education Director of Mission Rabies, reaffirmed that the campaign would be extended to other talukas in Goa.
This problem is particularly severe in Bardez, and we must ensure that no rabid dog enters this taluka. We request citizens to cooperate by providing information about stray dogs
Dr. Murugan Appupillai – Education Director of Mission Rabies
Mission Rabies, which has been active in Goa since 2013, played a key role in the state’s rabies-free declaration in 2022. However, the continued increase in the stray dog population has necessitated another round of vaccinations and sterilizations.
