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.
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
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.
Three rabies cases were reported in Bardez taluka in 2023 and two more in 2024. Considering the seriousness of the issue, we have decided to begin our campaign from BardezNeelkanth Halarnkar - Minister for Animal Husbandry
He also urged pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated, adding that public support is crucial in reporting stray dogs.
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 dogsDr. 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.
When questioned about the financial aspects of the campaign, Minister Halarnkar dismissed budgetary constraints as a concern.
"Every year, we allocate ₹2 crore for vaccinations and other related activities. NGOs working in this field receive special grants from the government. However, one major issue we face is a lack of public cooperation. Many residents refuse to allow NGO workers to sterilize their dogs, which affects the overall success rate of these initiatives," he explained.
He assured that if necessary, the budget would be increased, but stressed that community support remains vital.
Addressing concerns over aggressive dog breeds, Minister Halarnkar announced a ban on Rottweilers and Pit Bulls in the state.
Considering recent attacks by these breeds and the associated risks to human safety, no one in Goa will be allowed to purchase Rottweilers or Pit Bulls anymoreNeelkanth Halarnkar - Minister for Animal Husbandry
The government will soon conduct a survey to identify existing owners of these breeds. Those who already own Rottweilers or Pit Bulls will be required to vaccinate, sterilize, and register them. Authorities will also encourage residents to report any unregistered ownership of these breeds so that officials can ensure compliance.
The Mission Rabies program was launched in 2014 in collaboration with the Goa government to transform the state into a rabies-free international tourist destination. By 2017, it had achieved an impressive 70% vaccination coverage, immunizing 137,353 dogs, with a highly cost-effective model, according to the organization's website.
This led to Goa being declared India’s first rabies-free state in 2022. However, the persistent rise in stray dog numbers has prompted authorities to relaunch the campaign, reinforcing their commitment to public safety and animal welfare.