MAPUSA
The stray dog menace on Goa's beaches, highlighted by recent attacks on tourists along the Cavelossim beach belt, underscores a systemic failure in managing a problem that threatens the State's reputation and economy.
The State’s identity as a tourist haven is at risk if such incidents persist, eroding the confidence of domestic and international visitors.
The issue is multifaceted, involving gaps in coordination, insufficient infrastructure and a lack of coherent strategy among local authorities – the Tourism Department, animal welfare and panchayats.
While Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira emphasized that the management of stray dogs on beaches falls under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Department, he claimed the panchayat is proactive in managing the stray population within the village limits.
“We take adequate steps to tackle the stray dog menace in the village. However, the Tourism Department says the beach area is their responsibility. It is their duty to manage these strays,” said Sequeira.
In Anjuna, Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar acknowledged the nuisance caused by stray dogs to both tourists and locals.
He noted that while the panchayat conducts regular vaccination drives, their efforts are limited by the lack of a dedicated dog shelter.
“We cannot do much beyond vaccinations. If the government provides land, we are willing to construct a shelter to house the strays,” Chimulkar stated, adding that the government should allocate some of the recently reclaimed properties in Anjuna for this purpose.
The urgency of the problem became evident after 14 tourists were attacked in just two weeks along the Cavelossim beach belt.
Responding to the situation, Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz emphasized the need for public cooperation, particularly by refraining from feeding dogs on beaches – a practice that is identified as a major factor contributing to their aggressive behaviour.
“The panchayat runs a shelter and provides food for the strays, but we need more public support to sustain these efforts. Donations from the public would go a long way,” Vaz had stated.
As authorities struggle to address the pressing issue of managing stray dogs on beaches, the safety of tourists remains at risk.
