Team Herald
MARGAO: Foreign tourists visiting Goa’s popular beaches are increasingly raising concerns about stray dog encounters, with several reports of bites and aggressive behaviour marring their holiday experiences. From the southern shores of Cavelossim and Colva to northern hotspots like Anjuna and Vagator, tourists have reported unsettling incidents that have disrupted their vacations.
"This is an issue that urgently needs attention from the authorities," said Emma Thompson, a 45-year-old visitor from the UK. "Goa is such a beautiful destination, but the stray dog situation is affecting many tourists' experiences."
While victims have expressed gratitude to locals, shack operators, fishermen, lifeguards, and accommodation staff for their swift assistance in arranging medical care, they describe these incidents as painful and unexpected disruptions to their holidays. Many tourists reported losing valuable vacation time as they were confined to their rooms recovering or making repeated visits to doctors for follow-up injections.
Robert Jenkins, a retired teacher from England, shared his concern: "I’ve visited Goa before, but this is something I hadn’t experienced on previous trips. It’s worrying to see this change in what has always been such a welcoming place."
Frequent visitors, particularly from the UK, say these incidents have altered their perception of Goa. Many who once enjoyed morning and evening beach walks now express anxiety after encountering stray dog packs, depriving them of activities they had planned for.
The issue has gained traction on social media, with tourists sharing their experiences online — a development that
tourism stakeholders fear could impact Goa’s reputation as a leading holiday destination.
While some local authorities have taken steps to address the problem, including the Cavelossim panchayat's partnership with Mission Rabies to establish a dog shelter, tourism industry representatives stress that more comprehensive government intervention is needed. They warn that unless proactive measures are taken, the stray dog menace could pose a growing threat to Goa's tourism
industry.