One bull was found dead, while two calves were found lying on the beach, under the blazing sun, struggling for life. Every local authority including police, veterinary services and local panchayat is aware of the grave situation but no remedy seems to be in sight.
Agonda sarpanch Navneeta Naik Gaunkar when contacted however, expressed apprehension on reports that the cattle were fed poisoned food and also expressed the possibility of the deaths occurring due to some strange disease.
“The whole tourism season has passed off without such incidents, and it is surprising that someone will carry out such acts, especially when most of the tourism shacks have closed shop for the season,’ she said.
When informed that the post mortem which was conducted had confirmed that death was due to poison, the sarpanch stated, “If that is true, then concerned authorities should search for clues by conducting a thorough investigation.”
According to an extension officer with Veterinary services at least two carcasses operated upon during post mortem are still lying at the site, as no one has come forward to dispose off the same.
Sources, said many of the owners after learning about the deaths, stay away to avoid incurring the disposal costs.
Villagers said two more cattle died on Friday, while three more carcasses were found on Thursday, of which post-mortem was conducted. They also informed that two more carcasses are still lying in the open.
On Friday, a cow was seen gasping for breath after collapsing on the beach. The veterinarian later administered drips to the animal, which is still in coma.
Canacona police officials led by PSI Edwin Dias inspected one of the dead bovine on Friday afternoon, while Agonda panchayat secretary Sushant Naik Gaonkar was also seen taking a look at a struggling cow on Agonda beach.
It may be recalled that Agonda residents had complained of deaths of around a dozen cattle and expressed suspicion that they were poisoned. Some farmers had pointed fingers at the beach shacks operators as the culprits. It is now suspected that the poison spiked cattle feed is disposed somewhere where the cattle, especially the ones roaming in coastal areas consume the same and die.
