Team Herald
MARGAO: The government is planning to amend laws to stamp out the menace of touts on beaches with habitual offenders likely to be externed from districts, said a senior government official.
Additionally measures are going to be implemented to address the increasing incidents of dog bites on the entire coastal belt.
The initiative arises from meetings with the Tourism Department, police, other relevant bodies and stakeholders aimed at improving beach security.
The Tourism Department has also assured immediate action to address the growing issue of dog bites on Goa’s beaches, including the implementation of a sterilisation programme for stray dogs. This commitment was made during a meeting between the Tourism Department, the Animal Husbandry Department, Mission Rabies, and the Goa Shack Association, led by its President, Cruz Cardozo.
Cardozo highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for swift measures to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals. The association raised concerns that the rising stray dog population on beaches poses a public safety risk and negatively impacts the tourism experience.
The proposed sterilisation programme aims to humanely manage the stray dog population and reduce incidents of aggression, while fostering collaboration between stakeholders to find a sustainable solution.
Cardozo further revealed cases of children suffering severe dog bite injuries, some to the extent that they were unable to walk properly later. He stated that they had alerted the Tourism Department that areas such as Benaulim, Betalbatim, Colva, and Cavelossim have reported the highest number of dog bite incidents.
Expressing concern over the impact on Goa’s reputation, Cardozo noted that tourists have taken to social media to criticise the state, sharing negative experiences regarding dog attacks on beaches.