MARGAO: The alleged dog scam of Margao has turned into a barking match between the South Goa Welfare Trust for Animals (SGWTA) and the Margao Citizen’s group. In reply to the allegations on Thursday, the SGWTA said that they are prepared for any probe into the matter.
Briefing the press, the SGWTA asked lawyer, who has allege dog scam, to handle the functions of the trust.
“If there are allegations against the hard work and money that we have put in for the cause, we are ready to step down and hand over this entire operation to anyone,” said Dilip Prabhudessai, SGWTA secretary.
“I will resign as chairman and let the Advocate take up this trust and use his good office to take funds and schemes and help from government to run the show,” challenged Vijai Sardessai, the president of the Trust.
The Trust has expressed distress at the demand made by a city criminal lawyer for a vigilance probe on the paltry grants received from the Margao Municipal Council terming it a scam.
Sandeep Azrencar, the SGWTA treasurer, revealed that the Trust receives a monthly grant of Rs 40,000 plus reimbursement of actual fuel bills from the MMC, whereas the actual monthly operation cost of dog shelter, animal birth control and treatment of injured dogs is around Rs 70,000. He further said that the deficit is met through donations from well-wishers and trustees.
Terming the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, Sandeep Azrencar said that the sole purpose of the complainant is to stay in media gaze and spoil the image of the trustees and donors.
