There are demands to shift the Animal Rescue Centre that is currently located close to Chapoli Dam at Canacona.
A project of good intention to save lives of animals has, however, caused some concern among neighbouring residents who feel that for the last 10 years the concerned authorities have not taken any initiative to address their grievances or to shift the centre away from Chapoli Dam.
The Animal Rescue Centre is stated to be a charitable organisation set up for the salvage of dogs, cats and stray dogs that are found ailing.
According to Janie O’Connor, in charge of ARC (Animal Rescue Centre), it was created in 2005 as a direct response to the high volume and upsetting condition of the stray animals and the methods in which strays were annually culled.
Since 2005 thousands of dogs and cats have been sterilised and vaccinated, dramatically reducing the numbers and improving the condition of the strays on the streets and beaches, Janie said.
Initially funds were raised to run a short-term camp to sterilise and vaccinate as many animals as possible within a short time frame. However this has created awareness among people, she added.
Janie further said that their work includes ABC (Animal Birth Control Programme), instant Anti Rabies Vaccinations, combination injections to prevent Parvo, distemper and other fatal diseases, bathing and de-ticking and de-worming, emergency care for animals in pain from many different illnesses and injuries, education and awareness rising among the local community on how to care for and treat their pets and the many strays and monsoon feeding.
“This (monsoon feeding) is an essential part of our work as the beach restaurants close down and so does the food. Without our programme many of the beach and stray dogs that are loved in the tourist season would literally starve to death,” she said.
According to Anup, Manager of the Animal Rescue Centre, one Veterinary Doctor Dr J Desai visits the centre every Tuesday and Saturday. His assistant is available from Monday to Saturday from 9 am till 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm daily.
However, locals feel that the water at Chapoli dam has been getting contaminated. Chapoli Ex-Sarpanch Suhas Velip said that carcasses from dead dogs, cats and other animals and their excreta is thrown directly or indirectly in the Chapoli dam water ways by stray dogs, crows and other flying birds.
Former Chairperson of Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) said that there were concerns due to the proximity to the Chapoli Dam that supplies treated water to a part of Canacona.
“We have no objection for such an Animal Rescue Centre but it must shift from the place immediately. Many people have raised this issue and I will speak to the concerned authorities,” said Mahesh Raikar, Sarpanch of Chapoli.
Canacona’s prominent residents are not against the centre but against the location which is very close to the Chapoli Dam. Some residents of Chapoli and its surrounding areas are against this Animal Rescue Centre and asked the concerned authorities to shift it in order to avoid filthy smell.
Canacona Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Prathana Naik Gaonkar said that they would look into the matter while also adding that municipality had not given permission for any animal rescue centre. As the shelter is located between CMC and Shristall village panchayat, locals are not sure under whose authority the shelter comes.
Environmentalist Bhanudas Naik Gaonkar said that the dogs are known to be man’s best friends, but today at Canacona, people are crying for action from concerned authorities to tackle the issue as the concerns of the people are genuine as well.
