Stray dog attacks on tourists at beaches in recent days, especially in Salcete, have been a concern for Goa, a State that showcases beaches as one of its key selling points for tourism. On Thursday, a domestic woman tourist who was taking a stroll at Benaulim beach along with her husband and child was menacingly attacked by stray dogs. The woman had to rush into the waters to escape the wrath of the marauding canines, but not before being inflicted with three bites.
Recently, a Bollywood actor was attacked and suffered multiple bite injuries, also, a Russian woman and a Canadian lady were attacked by a pack of dogs at Benaulim Beach. Drishti, an agency which keeps vigil at beaches across Goa, stated that three of their lifesavers were bitten while on duty between April and May this year. Earlier this month, a woman cyclist was mauled by dogs, and she suffered deep injuries on both her legs.
Strag dogs loitering on beaches has been a common phenomenon in Goa, and one sees canines on almost all beaches. While they move in packs, some discerning visitors carry a stick as their defence, possibly with a thought of pre-empting any attacks. With the mercury rising, and shacks folding up, the dogs could be finding it difficult to cope with their daily living. leading to a change in their behaviour.
Locals familiar with the coastal ecosystem are of the view that such dog behaviour is because of a lack of food supplies coupled with hot and humid weather. As a possible measure, the government could approach hotels in the coastal vicinity to create feed areas so that the dogs are not deprived of food. Also, the government can initiate a vaccination drive through the Animal Husbandry Department, so that there are no serious consequences.
On the flip side, such attacks do not bode well for a State that is boasting about its beaches, rather, they cause embarrassment when tourists, especially foreigners speak on social media about such encounters and their Goa experience. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has conceded that stray dogs attacking visitors on beaches is serious across the State and adds that he plans to draft a policy to tackle the situation. In the interim, he mentions that the beach cleaning agency would be asked to handle the situation.
The stray dog problem is not exclusive to Goa. Mauritius, a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches faces a similar situation that is threatening to tarnish its idyllic image. It has not only posed a serious threat to public safety but stands to jeopardise the flourishing tourism industry which is a major contributor to its economy. The government has unveiled a slew of measures, launched a massive drive to create public awareness and has even engaged the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
While examining the issue of stray dogs and the impact it has on tourism, one cannot ignore the trauma that victims undergo given the fact that there could be consequences leading to rabies. Some on social media opine that ‘stray dogs are shown in bad light’ by the media. Unfortunately, they have not spared a thought for those attacked and mauled. For those sitting in armchairs and dismissing these attacks, there is a need to get on the ground and view this issue from a realistic perspective.
