THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: In a letter to North District Collector R Menaka, the GOACAN has requested for an action plan to tackle the increasing cases of dog bites in North Goa before observing World Tourism Day and World Rabies Day in September.
In the letter, the GOACAN has stated that it is receiving complaints from consumers regarding the increasing number of dog bite cases in various villages and municipal areas in North Goa more particularly in the coastal belt of Bardez.
GOACAN stated that the cases of dog bite have increased specially during the lockdown period and it could be because the stray dogs are not getting regular food supplies compared to previous normal situation.
GOACAN further suggested for preparing the Action Plan including data from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) with details of the number of dog bite cases reported at the various UHCs/PHCs/CHCs, District Hospital Mapusa and GMC Bambolim for the last 18 months and the availability of the Anti-Rabies Vaccine at all health centres in North Goa.
It stated that the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services be requested to give their proposals/recommendations for the control of dog bites and an update on the response received for The Goa Animal Rescue Management Scheme, 2014. Also the NGO Mission Rabies be requested to give their assessment of the increase in dog bite cases, their intervention till date and steps to be taken in the near future.
It called for requesting the Directorate of Municipal Administration and Panchayat to provide a progress report of the implementation of registration of dogs by the respective municipal councils and village panchayats in North Goa.
It also urged the Tourism Department be requested to provide details of any advisories prepared for domestic and foreign tourists, Dos and Don’ts for self protection from dog bites when on beach walks.
