Stray dog attacks surge along Salcete coastal belt

Stray dog attacks surge
along Salcete coastal belt

Colva: Cases of stray dog bites have increased along the coastal belt of Salcete in the past three months, with many tourists and locals falling victim to attacks. In Cavelossim alone, eight tourists have been attacked by strays.
Among the victims are four Russians, two Indians, a Latvian national and a British tourist. Most of them were attacked while walking or jogging along the shore.
The most recent attack occurred on Feb 22, wherein a tourist out for a morning run was suddenly attacked and bitten by stray dogs.
The increasing number of attacks has fuelled public outcry, with many blaming it on the rising number of strays, abandoned pups and feeding of these animals on the beaches. Dogs are frequently seen roaming around shack tables, with locals and tourists alike at risk.
Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz said that the panchayat has installed two dog shelters and provides food twice daily in an effort to manage the situation. Additionally, they have sought assistance from ‘Mission Rabies’ for sterilisation programmes and have submitted a resolution to the tourism department, but their requests have gone unanswered.
“We get repeated complaints from hoteliers, and we escalate the matter to various agencies, but the response has been disappointing,” said Vaz. He emphasized that the issue stems from poor waste management and an inconsistent approach to sterilisation and birth control programs.
Locals and panchayat members have consistently raised concerns, urging immediate action. Last year, Colva villagers brought up the issue in a gram sabha, prompting the panchayat to seek government intervention. However, the tourism department is yet to respond, according to a panchayat member.