Residents, tourists raise alarm over safety; PIL likely as govt struggles for answers
ON THE PROWL: Packs of stray dogs roam freely on Calangute Beach, posing a threat to both tourists and locals. Their numbers are rising across beaches statewide.
MAPUSA
The tragic incident in Ponda, where a toddler was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs on Friday morning, has once again highlighted the growing menace of stray dogs across Goa.
While the horrifying attack has shocked the State, beach belts in North Goa are also witnessing a surge in dog-related incidents, particularly involving foreign tourists and early-morning walkers.
Tourists and locals alike have been raising concerns about the increasing aggression of stray dogs, especially those roaming beaches in large packs of 10 to 15.
Several reports have surfaced about dogs following, growling at, or even attacking unsuspecting beachgoers, painting a grim picture for a State known for its tourism and hospitality.
Deputy Sarpanch of Calangute, Anny Fernandes admitted the seriousness of the issue.
“We have been getting a lot of complaints about stray dogs on the beaches. Many of these strays are fed by tourists, especially foreigners, which contributes to the problem. When they don’t find food, they become aggressive and attack,” she explained.
The General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, John Lobo, voiced his concern as well.
“The menace is everywhere. It has reached a point where morning walkers carry sticks or umbrellas to defend themselves from strays that follow and surround them,” he said, calling for immediate intervention.
At Anjuna too, the problem is evident.
Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar stated that while the panchayat carries out regular vaccination drives, their hands are tied due to the absence of a dedicated dog shelter.
“Without a proper shelter, we can’t relocate these dogs, and that’s what’s really needed,” he said.
Currently, Goa follows the national protocol under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Mission Rabies programmes, which include neutering and vaccinating stray dogs.
However, the law mandates that sterilised strays must be returned to the same location, making long-term control nearly impossible under existing guidelines.
Minister for Animal Husbandry, Nilkanth Halarnkar, acknowledged the issue.
“Yes, stray dog numbers are increasing in different parts of the State. But we are bound by the Supreme Court’s ruling which prohibits relocating stray dogs from their original areas. Every time we try something new, it ends up in court,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders are now mulling a legal intervention. Sources confirm that one group is preparing to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking more effective action against the stray dog problem.
“This is not just a local issue anymore – it's affecting Goa’s image globally. We need animal shelters where these dogs can be housed and looked after, rather than being sent back to roam the streets and beaches,” said Lobo.
Meanwhile, Friday’s horrific incident in Ponda has intensified the public outcry, with many citizens demanding that the government formulate a more pragmatic and enforceable policy that balances animal welfare with human safety.
Goa’s growing stray dog crisis now poses a dual threat – to its people and to its tourism-driven economy.
