Daijiworld Media Network - Valpoi

Valpoi, Sep 18: The Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) has initiated a comprehensive survey to gather detailed information on stray dogs, pet dogs, and stray cattle roaming streets and highways within its municipal jurisdiction. The step has been taken in compliance with directives issued by the Bombay High Court at Goa.

VMC Chief Officer Dhiren Banavalikar issued a formal public notice regarding the initiative on September 16. Residents across all wards (1 to 10), local animal handlers, animal welfare volunteers, and citizens who regularly feed stray animals have been urged to extend their cooperation and submit the necessary details by September 25.

According to the municipal notification, the statewide exercise is being executed through relevant government departments and agencies to map the exact population and status of stray and domestic animals across Goa. The drive aims to generate an accurate, area-wise statistical overview of animal populations within the Valpoi municipal limits.

The civic body explicitly clarified that no animals will be captured, relocated, or harmed during the survey. The primary goal is to systematically record stray dog counts, distinguishing between sterilised and unsterilised animals alongside their vaccination records. Additionally, information concerning pet dogs will be compiled to establish a foundational database for future management and urban planning, while ward-wise data will map movement patterns and habitation zones to offer a scientific framework for balancing animal welfare, public health, and citizen safety.

The VMC has placed special emphasis on the involvement of community feeders and animal welfare volunteers. Because they possess intimate knowledge of local animal packs, their assistance is vital for identifying individual dogs, tracking vaccination and sterilisation metrics, and preventing duplicate entries across different locations.