TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
TIVIM: When a non-government organisation has been offering its services towards animal welfare in the State for over one-and-half decade, one would have expected the government to have rendered some assistance to the organisation.
Instead, the International Animal Rescue (Goa) is yet to receive the sanctioned funds from the government and is now struggling to find land to expand its activities in the interest of the State.
Speaking to reporters at their office in Assagao, IAR (Goa) founder John Hicks said the IAR team has been working towards the welfare of all kinds of animals.
“We have come a long way from our humble beginnings in 1998 and we are proud of what our organisation has been able to achieve in Goa so far. It’s now time for IAR Goa to step up its operation to the next level and we want to expand our project,” he added.
Stating that their present centre has been filled to capacity, Hicks said the IAR (Goa) is in need of serious renovation. The IAR (Goa) is now in the process of identifying land of about 50,000 sq mtrs to continue their activities for the benefit of the State.
Commenting on the situation of the dog population in the State, Hicks said: “the only solution to the dog population to sterilize them. However, the real problem is that many owners are irresponsible and negligent to their pets. To them, we wish to convey this message: ‘if you have a pet which is not sterilized, you are irresponsible both to the pet and to your neighbours who share the environment’.”
Max Patel, who will take over as new chairman of IAR (Goa), admitted that their current location has been causing inconvenience to people in the locality.
“We are facing a lot of difficulties, since the odour of animals has inconvenienced our neighbours. Hence, we want to identify larger space so that we go ahead with our activities.”
“It is also time to start teaching children to love, respect and to take care of animals. We want to have ‘pet farms’, where children can really learn and enjoy their time with animals.”
“We are also keen offer various services, which include the training of animal handlers, offering safe and humane methods to catch and treat various animals, teaching basic assessment and first aid treatment skills, training vet nurses, assistants and kennel staff in hygiene and general housekeeping,” said Patel.
Animal Welfare Board of India Member Norma Alvares stated that they are on a “shoestring budget”, while they have been on the lookout for additional land.
“Although the present Parrikar government has sanctioned Rs 2 crore for animal welfare, the amount is yet to reach us. When approached the government, officials kept giving us assurance but it has been of no use,” said Alvares, who is also president of People for Animals (Goa).
Asked how they have been able to sustain their activities, Alvares replied: “We raise money through donation and a fee charged to clients who come privately with their pets. When it is mandated in the Constitution and laws that no animal should be killed, it’s the duty of the government to provide facilities to uphold this obligation.”
