Why only pigs, not dogs & cattle, ask Vascokars

Team Herald

VASCO: Questioning the intention of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) for its notice to the pig owners to restrict the movement of their pigs in their own property and not to leave them in public place as it might result into accidents and public nuisance, the citizens of port town of Vasco have claimed that more than pigs, MMC needs to tackle stray cattle and dog menace, that are responsible for several road accidents in the port town.

It may be recalled that on October 27, MMC issued a notice wherein all pig owners within MMC jurisdiction were warned and directed to restrict the movement of the pigs in their own property and not to leave them out in public places.

“I don’t know from where this bright idea actually came up as I don’t see the menace of pigs on the roads. But the menace of stray cattle on the road, day in and day out is clear as daylight. I expected MMC to put pigs and cattle in the same category,”questioned Daniel De Souza, adding that cases of accidents due to pigs on the roads are low, but accidents due to cattle is high.

“I am looking forward for a similar public notice on the menace of cattle on Vasco roads and its surrounding areas in the jurisdiction,” he said.

Like him, several other citizens took to social media and posted comments soon after MMC’s notice went viral on social media. ‘Vascokars United’ a Facebook group was literally flooded with messages with majority of the citizens termed MMC’s notice as good decision but also requested the council to do something about the stray cattle menace on the roads.

Even the former MMC Chairperson and present councillor Lavina D’ Souza, who represents Khariwado ward where pigs menace is high, said that the decision of MMC was good but felt that the same is high also due to cattle menace and not the pigs alone. 

“MMC needs to tackle cattle and stray dogs menace also at same time,” she said

Meanwhile, when this correspondent questioned MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes as to why MMC had failed to include cattle in the notice, he clarified said he was aware of the situation and concerns raised by the citizens. 

In fact, an agency has been appointed by the state government to tackle cattle menace. I have to only activate the agency and they will come and take away stray cattle from the roads. We have planned three phase action. At present I have issued a notice on pigs, while the notice on cattle is next and then the dogs, he clarified.