Panaji: The Panjim Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has suspended its stray dog sterilisation programme in Panaji and nearby areas, citing non-payment of dues by the Goa government, raising concerns over efforts to control the stray dog population.PAWS said it conducts over 3,000 stray dog sterilisation surgeries annually but has not received payment for procedures carried out since April 1, 2025.TOI had reported on July 14 that the Goa Animal Federation (GAF) flagged concerns over the state’s Grant-in-Aid scheme, saying it reimburses only Rs 1,800 per dog against an estimated cost of Rs 3,500, bars NGOs from raising funds from other sources, and often delays payments by up to two years.GAF urged the government to ensure adequate and timely funding. “The concerned department must release all pending dues to PAWS within seven days. A transparent system must be put in place for timely monthly payments so NGOs are not forced to beg for funds,” Corporation of the City of Panaji councillor Surendra Furtado said.Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Nitin Naik said the department had not received any official communication from PAWS. “We will have to get an explanation from PAWS,” he said, adding that the department’s five veterinary hospitals, including one at Tonca, Panaji, would continue carrying out sterilisations brought by the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
