MARGAO: The efforts to implement the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 in Salcete taluka and effectively control the stray dog population have hit a roadblock due to a shortage of land and a lack of available veterinary doctors. This has led to a growing concern about the increasing population of stray dogs in the villages, which has been linked to dog bites and road accidents, particularly in coastal areas.
During gram sabha meetings in Salcete, citizens have voiced their concerns about the escalating number of stray dog attacks and the resultant road accidents. However, many panchayats have yet to establish the required committees under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, and there is a glaring lack of records documenting actions taken under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry reached out to the Director of Municipal Administration and the Directorate of Panchayats to assess the implementation status of the rules. However, over 18 months later, progress remains minimal. According to a Sarpanch in Salcete, attempts to utilise open spaces for animal birth control facilities have faced public resistance, similar to the opposition to setting up waste management facilities. The Sarpanch emphasised the need for a change in the public’s “not in my backyard” attitude to move forward.
To advance the establishment of birth control facilities, panchayats need to identify suitable land, secure necessary approvals from the gram sabha, appoint veterinary doctors, and allocate funds. Unfortunately, many panchayats in Salcete are struggling with financial constraints, making it difficult to bear the costs associated with these initiatives. Space constraints make matters worse, as previous attempts to set up facilities have failed due to the unsuitability of the identified land.
The scarcity of veterinary doctors adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Without them, even well-equipped facilities cannot become operational. An official from the Animal Husbandry Department explained that while stray animals cannot be relocated, regular sterilization programs are crucial for controlling their population. These animals need to be provided with hygienic shelter during their recovery from sterilization before being released back to their original locations.
The official stressed that local bodies must collaborate in these efforts, as the department cannot manage sterilization programmes independently. “Ideally, panchayats should establish their own facilities to ensure the effectiveness of the programme,” said the official, stressing that if sterilization camps are not uniformly conducted across villages, the entire effort can be undermined. “Stray dogs often return to market areas or places with easy access to food, where their population can quickly rebound. The dumping of slaughter waste and garbage in open areas further contribute to the problem,” said the official.
In response to the land constraints faced by panchayats along Salcete’s coastline, the District Collector had previously proposed the identification of a central shelter facility as a temporary solution. However, this plan has yet to be realized, leaving the issue unresolved and the stray dog population unchecked.
