Panaji: In a bid to clear stray dogs from Goa’s beaches, the tourism department has invited citizens, animal welfare organisations and dog lovers to adopt them within seven days. Those remaining unadopted will be sterilised, vaccinated and relocated to authorised animal shelters.“The department has decided to undertake necessary measures for the sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs found along all beach stretches and their subsequent relocation to designated and authorised animal shelters,” said tourism director Kedar Naik.He said the capture and relocation would be carried out in accordance with the law and Supreme Court’s directions. The department said all measures would follow statutory animal welfare guidelines to ensure humane treatment.Those interested in adopting dogs from Goa’s beaches must submit proof of address, specify the number of dogs they wish to adopt and sign an undertaking committing to their proper feeding, care and shelter.The move follows concerns over dog attacks and road accidents involving strays along popular coastal stretches, including Cavelossim, Colva, Anjuna and Vagator. A parliamentary reply by the Union health ministry stated that Goa recorded 37,197 dog-bite cases between 2022 and 2025, with most reported along the coastal belt.Stray dogs and cattle have also become a concern in Arambol, Morjim and Mandrem. Residents, motorists, beachgoers and shack operators have reported near-misses and collisions involving animals straying onto roads after dusk, as well as incidents of dogs chasing tourists and two-wheeler riders.Shack operators have repeatedly urged the tourism department to address the issue. The department has now decided to act in line with Supreme Court’s directions in a suo motu writ petition, under which public beach stretches are to be designated as protected public spaces and brought under stricter stray animal management protocols.Once the seven-day adoption period ends, the department will initiate a drive to capture dogs that remain unadopted. They will undergo sterilisation and vaccination before being relocated to authorised shelters.While stray dogs have long been a familiar sight around beach shacks, concerns over aggressive behaviour and territoriality in busy tourist areas have brought the issue under greater scrutiny.
