PANJIM: NGO GOACAN has claimed that on an average around 60 persons are bitten by dogs daily and expressed serious concern on the increasing population of stray dogs in North Goa district.
GOACAN has written to Collector Levinson Martins on the need for elimination of rabies in Goa, the need to control dog bites and urgent need to put in place a system for registration of dogs by panchayats and municipal councils in North Goa.
In the letter, pointing out that on a average there are about 60 persons bitten by dogs daily, GOACAN has stated that ‘it is a huge burden on the exchequer as these victims require to take the anti-rabies vaccines’.
“The number of dogs is multiplying in North Goa as the stray dogs are getting access to food waste being dumped in the neighbourhood and on village and city roads which is contributing indirectly to the increase in puppies. A procedure for panchayats and municipal councils to register dogs at the local level is urgently required. However, officials lack the expertise to undertake this task as by-laws need to be passed, the registration forms, fee structure, issue of licence, etc need to be finalised for the same,” GOACAN co-ordinator Roland Martins said.
With the tourist season starting next week, the NGO has urged the authorities to take up the issue on priority as it expects 70 lakh tourists visiting the State. It has called on the District Collector to convene a meeting of various stakeholders to discuss the issues involved and finalise a road map for this.
