Animal deaths in accidents rise in fiscal year 2024-25, jumping to 582 from 508

Panaji: In the financial year 2024-25, a total of 582 animals died due to injuries sustained in accidents, marking a rise from 508 such deaths recorded in the previous year.

Data from recent years shows fluctuating figures with 246 deaths in 2020-21, a peak of 666 in 2021-22, followed by 509 in 2022-23, and 508 in 2023-24.

The latest figures highlight a renewed increase in animal fatalities in accidents, raising concerns over road safety.

This was shared by minister for animal husbandry and veterinary services Nilkanth Halarnkar in response to a question by Margao BJP legislator Digambar Kamat.

Halarnkar said that Goa govt has implemented a multi-pronged action plan to control stray animals, particularly dogs and cattle, on public roads.

“Govt has adopted the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, and Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, under which local municipal bodies, with the help of accredited welfare organisations, are mandated to run continuous sterilisation and vaccination camps for stray dogs,” Halarnkar said.

He said, “These programmes aim to contain the uncontrolled growth of the stray dog population and reduce rabies risk.”

In 2024-25, a total of 12,089 stray dogs from across the state were sterilised.

“The local bodies are responsible for impounding stray cattle from roads, beaches, and fields, and transporting them to cattle pounds,” Halarnkar said.

Under Chapter XX of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968, the management of stray cattle in the municipal areas is the mandate of municipal councils. Under Section 112A-F of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, the management of stray cattle in rural areas is the mandate of panchayats.

The Goa Stray Cattle Management Scheme (Amended) has helped impound 8,944 cattle. A total amount of Rs 21.6 crore was released as a grant in aid during the year 2024-25.