Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 20: The High Court of Goa has directed the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to submit a plan for establishing a dedicated shelter for stray dogs, a proposal that has remained pending since 2021.

The direction came during the hearing of a petition concerning the management of stray dogs in Goa. The CCP informed the court that it had identified a 1,500-square-metre site at Curca for setting up the proposed shelter.

However, the civic body said fresh licences and permissions are required from the Town and Country Planning Department and the Village Panchayat of Curca before the project can proceed.

Taking note of the submission, the High Court impleaded the Village Panchayat of Curca as a party respondent in the case.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which is also a respondent, informed the court that the District Magistrate is the competent authority to take appropriate measures regarding the management of stray dogs on highways.

The ministry further submitted that it had already written to the District Magistrates concerned, requesting them to take necessary action.

The High Court has posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.