Goa targets 100% sterilisation of strays: Halarnkar

Panaji: In the wake of two recent and alarming stray dog attacks in the state, both involving children, Nilkanth Halarnkar, the minister for animal husbandry and veterinary services, has assured that govt is “working on a war footing” to tackle the issue. “We are targeting 100% sterilisation of the stray dogs in the state,” Halarnkar told TOI.
He outlined the ongoing efforts to sterilise stray dogs, stating that a dedicated team is actively working in different parts of the state to control the stray dog population. The state has roughly 56,000 stray dogs. “We already covered Bardez and Margao, and for the past 10 to 15 days, the team focused on the coastal belt,” he said.
He also highlighted some of the challenges faced in addressing the stray dog population. “We cannot change the location of stray dogs because they are territorial. Additionally, we are not allowed to keep them in common shelter homes or cages,” he said.
Halarnkar also acknowledged the role of local NGOs in supporting sterilisation efforts but stressed the need for greater public cooperation. “The NGOs are doing their best along with Mission Rabies, but we now need the support of the public. The dog feeders need to be more responsible, and I am advising them against feeding stray dogs anywhere,” he said. He also called on pet dog owners to notify the animal husbandry department about their pets so govt can maintain a proper register of all dogs in the state.
Halarnkar’s remarks come after two incidents that raised concerns over public safety. Last week, a toddler was mauled by stray dogs in Ponda who succumbed to her injuries, and earlier this week, a Russian child was attacked by stray dogs at Betalbatim beach.