The Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) has begun a survey to compile detailed data on stray and pet dogs as well as stray cattle within its jurisdiction, following an order of the Bombay High Court at Goa.
VMC Chief Officer Dhiren Banavalikar issued a public notice in this regard on September 16, urging residents to assist officials in gathering the information.
Residents of Wards 1 to 10, citizens who regularly feed stray dogs, local animal handlers, animal welfare volunteers and other concerned residents have been requested to cooperate with the survey and provide the required information by September 25.
The exercise is being carried out in coordination with government departments and agencies concerned to assess the number and status of animals found on roads and highways within the municipal limits.
The survey is expected to provide ward-wise data on the animal population and help authorities develop a more systematic database for future planning and management.
The civic body has clarified that the exercise is strictly for animal gathering and that no animal will be captured, displaced or harmed during the information-gathering exercise.
Officials will record details of stray dogs, including their approximate numbers, identification, vaccination status and whether they have been sterilised. Information on pet dogs will also be collected to establish a baseline database.
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The ward-wise mapping is intended to help identify animal habitation and movement patterns and provide data that can support measures related to animal welfare, public health and citizen safety.
The VMC has particularly sought the cooperation of people who regularly feed stray dogs and animal welfare volunteers, saying their familiarity with local animal groups could help officials identify individual dogs and avoid duplicate entries.
Residents and volunteers have been requested to share information on stray dogs in their respective areas, including their approximate numbers, identification, vaccination status, sterilisation status and places where the animals are seen regularly.
Source: https://nenews.in/goa/goa-valpoi-municipal-council-launches-survey-of-stray-dogs-cattle/64790/