Daijiworld Media Network – Goa

Goa, Apr 19: Goa was jolted on Friday morning after a heart-wrenching incident in Ponda, where a toddler was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs, exposing a deepening crisis that has gripped the state for months.

The tragedy has triggered widespread public anger and renewed concern about the unchecked rise in stray dog attacks, especially in the bustling beach belts of North Goa, where foreign tourists and early-morning walkers are often the target of dog aggression.

Locals and tourists alike have reported increasingly hostile packs of 10 to 15 stray dogs roaming popular coastal stretches. Several beachgoers have been followed, growled at, or even attacked, denting Goa’s image as a safe and serene travel destination.

Calangute’s Deputy Sarpanch, Anny Fernandes, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “We receive frequent complaints. Tourists, especially foreigners, feed strays, but when food is unavailable, the dogs turn aggressive,” she said.

John Lobo, General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, described a worsening situation. “It’s gotten to a point where walkers carry sticks or umbrellas to defend themselves. This needs urgent intervention,” he stated.

In Anjuna, Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar echoed similar concerns. “Though vaccination drives are conducted, we lack a dedicated dog shelter. Without it, relocation isn’t possible,” he explained.

Goa follows the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Mission Rabies programmes, under which sterilised strays are returned to their original location — a policy that many now see as a barrier to effective management.

Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar acknowledged the rising numbers of strays. “We’re limited by the Supreme Court’s ruling that prohibits relocation of strays. Legal efforts often stall in court,” he stated.

With the tourism industry feeling the heat, stakeholders are planning a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to demand actionable solutions, including state-run shelters for permanent housing of aggressive strays.

“The issue is no longer local — it’s tarnishing Goa’s global image,” said Lobo, calling for compassionate yet practical measures.

Friday’s heartbreaking death has become a turning point in public discourse, forcing the government to reckon with the delicate balance between animal welfare and public safety. The people of Goa are now urging for a pragmatic, enforceable policy before more lives are lost.