Daijiworld Media Network - Aldona
Aldona, Oct 31: In a shocking case of animal cruelty, Goa Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person for allegedly firing a gunshot at a pet dog named Coco in Aldona village, causing grievous injuries to the animal.
According to Mapusa Police Inspector Nikhil Palekar, the accused, whose identity remains unknown, “subjected the dog belonging to Vishal Ghadi to cruelty by causing grievous injuries using a firearm.”
Apurva Naik, officer of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), North Goa, confirmed that the complaint was filed by Ghadi, a resident of Aldona, after his pet sustained severe facial injuries from the gunshot.
“The incident occurred when Ghadi and his family heard a loud gunshot nearby. Soon after, their dog Coco returned home bleeding profusely with serious wounds on the face,” Naik stated in her report to Mapusa police.
Upon examination at Angels for Animals Clinic in Corjuem, veterinarians confirmed that Coco had suffered a close-range gunshot wound, leading to multiple fractures in the jaw, broken teeth, and bullet fragments lodged inside the mouth.
“The injury pattern and medical opinion confirm that the shot was fired at close range with the clear intention to injure or kill the animal,” Naik added.
Authorities said the act constitutes a serious offence under multiple laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Arms Act, as it involves illegal discharge of a firearm within a residential area — endangering both humans and animals.
Calling it an “extremely serious” case, Naik warned that such violent behavior must not be ignored. “As per established research and case history, individuals who display cruelty towards animals often escalate to violence against humans if not restrained promptly,” she said.
Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Meanwhile, DSPCA officials said they are monitoring Coco’s recovery and have vowed to ensure justice for the injured animal.