Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced plans to ban certain aggressive dog breeds that pose a threat to humans. Speaking on World Rabies Day, he expressed concern about dogs brought into Goa from other states, which might not be vaccinated, jeopardizing the state’s rabies-controlled status. Sawant cited an incident in August where a Rottweiler attacked two children, prompting this decision.
Pramod Sawant’s Drive for Rabies-Free Goa: A Collaborative Effort
Goa, through the efforts of NGO Mission Rabies, achieved rabies-free status after launching the Mission Rabies initiative in 2013. The state government collaborated with Mission Rabies, aiming to vaccinate 70% of the dog population for three consecutive years. Following this success, the government plans to sterilize all stray dogs to control the population.
Pramod Sawant Ensures Public Safety: Goa’s Continued Fight Against Stray Dog Incidents
Sawant emphasized the need for these measures, citing the increasing number of accidents caused by stray dogs. The government’s focus on sterilization aims to prevent population growth, ensuring the safety of both humans and animals.
Goa’s Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr. Agostinho Mesquita, declared the state as a ‘rabies-controlled’ region in May 2021. The government’s proactive approach, including breed bans and sterilization efforts, demonstrates their commitment to maintaining Goa’s rabies-free status and ensuring public safety.
