Team Herald
MARGAO: The stray dog menace continues to trouble both locals and tourists. In a recent incident, a foreign tourist sustained 15 injuries and a suspected arm fracture after being viciously attacked by a pack of stray dogs on Mobor Beach in Cavelossim, on Tuesday.
The attack occurred when the tourist, walking alone, was suddenly charged by five dogs. Despite attempting to escape into the water, the dogs continued to bite her until she fell. Fortunately, she managed to contact her friend for help, and water sports operators, along with a hotel guard, eventually rescued her.
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz rushed to the site, accompanied by panch member Jesus da Costa and local fisherman Jesus D’Costa. The injured tourist was immediately taken to the hospital, where she expressed concerns about the increasing stray dog menace, stating that it was no longer safe to walk on the beach.
“This is a serious issue, and no one is paying enough attention. It’s a man-made situation; it wasn’t like this before. Now, there are packs of dogs all over Goa’s streets and beaches, and their numbers keep growing due to poor management,” Vaz said. He warned that unchecked incidents like this could deter tourists from visiting Cavelossim, threatening the area’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
It is worth noting that the panchayat had previously highlighted the need for stricter regulations and better management of stray dogs. Vaz explained that some of the aggression among strays stems from irregular feeding practices by visitors. To address the problem, the panchayat has established a dedicated dog shelter in the village and implemented rules requiring individuals who wish to feed strays to register with the local body.
Despite these measures, Tuesday’s attack underscores the urgency of addressing the stray dog menace comprehensively, according to the Sarpanch.