For the past 10 years, a British volunteer has been quietly transforming the lives of hundreds of stray dogs in Salcete, particularly around the Cutbona jetty.
Julie, a long-term volunteer with the NGO “Mission Rabies”, has led the sterilisation and vaccination of around 500 stray dogs, while also feeding and caring for them daily.
What started as a simple act of compassion has grown into a sustained animal welfare effort that has helped control the stray dog population and reduces the risk of rabies in the area. Julie believes that many stray dogs become aggressive due to mistreatment and fear, and she emphasises that kindness and regular feeding can help them become calm and less likely to bite.
“People often misunderstand stray dogs. Many of them have learned to fear humans because of past abuse or neglect. But if they’re treated with compassion and fed regularly, they become friendlier and much less aggressive,” she said.
Julie’s initiative has played a major role in making the Cutbona jetty area safer and healthier for both animals and people.
However, she stressed that lasting change is only possible with community support. Julie has called on residents to extend both moral and practical assistance by helping feed community dogs, reporting unsterilised animals, and showing compassion in their daily interactions.
Julie’s compassionate efforts have helped control the stray dog population and reduce rabies risk in the Cutbona jetty area
Believes consistent kindness and feeding can transform aggressive strays into friendlier animals
Stresses community support is essential for a lasting change
Urges residents to help feed community dogs, report unsterilised animals
Appeals to the public to stop abandoning puppies at the jetty or roadside, as this undermines ongoing sterilisation efforts
Importantly, she also issued a heartfelt appeal to the public not to abandon puppies at the jetty or on the roadside — a growing problem that undermines ongoing sterilisation efforts.
“Dumping puppies only adds to the suffering. Many of them don’t survive, and those that do continue the cycle of uncontrolled breeding. If you can’t care for them, reach out for help — don’t abandon them,” she urged.
Julie’s decade-long dedication stands as a reminder that meaningful change can begin with a single act of kindness — and with continued community support, that change can last.