Shillong, February 8: In response to the growing cases of dog attacks on both children and adults, the Goa government is considering the identification and enlistment of specific breeds known for their ferocity, as disclosed by Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nilkanth Halarnkar, in the Assembly.
As per IANS, Minister Halarnkar revealed this information in a written reply to Independent MLA Aleixo Lourenco’s Starred Question on Wednesday.
The contemplation involves urging local governing bodies to initiate the registration of owned dogs within their jurisdiction. This measure aims to compile data on various dog breeds kept as pets in the state, particularly those recognized for their aggressive behavior.
According to Halarnkar, the 2012 livestock census reported 52,323 pet dogs and 16,325 stray dogs, while the 2019 survey indicated a significant increase to 86,976 pet dogs and 27,864 stray dogs. The surge in stray dog population is attributed to the mandate of local bodies, such as Village Panchayats and Municipalities, to manage stray dogs. The department facilitates this through schemes like ‘The Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme 2014 (Amended),’ wherein Village Panchayats and Municipalities sign MoUs with NGOs to implement the program with financial aid from the Animal Husbandry Department.
Halarnkar reasoned that the rise in stray dog population is primarily due to the limited participation of local bodies in the mentioned scheme, leading to an increase in stray dogs in various areas. He highlighted the pack behavior of stray dogs, leading to a competition for food and, in turn, the development of a mentality to attack passersby, particularly in groups. However, he emphasized that stray dogs generally do not bite unless provoked.
The government is considering the establishment of a structured system for keeping ferocious dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, in homes. This would be targeted at individuals who can afford these breeds and commit to controlling and continuously training them to mitigate the risk of attacks on strangers during street walks.