Govt launches anti-rabies drive amid rising dog attacks

Panaji: Minister for animal husbandry and veterinary services, Nilkant Halarnkar, on Friday launched an anti-rabies drive in Goa, highlighting the risks of attacks from ferocious dogs on vulnerable groups.At the inauguration of a special free vaccination and education campaign, Halarnkar said, “Govt is answerable for citizens’ safety, with small children mostly at risk of dog attacks. To address this, we are launching an initiative to ensure Goa retains rabies-free status. Our greatest threat is from stray dogs entering from the borders of Karnataka and Maharashtra, which increases the risk of rabies exposure,” he said.TOI earlier reported that a seven-year-old boy from Anjuna died after a pitbull attack.The directorate of animal husbandry, Mission Rabies Goa, and local NGOs launched the campaign with a children’s rally, digital awareness vehicle, and doggie float parade, flagged off by the minister at Sriram Vidya Mandir, Colvale. The rally aimed to raise awareness about rabies prevention, while the doggie parade showcased the importance of vaccination and responsible pet ownership.Govt will conduct free vaccination drives for both stray and owned dogs, along with sterilisation for non-neutered stray dogs across Bardez from Feb 24 to 28 to curb rabies and prevent dog attacks, ensuring public safety.