Another revision for dog sterilisation policy in offing

Panaji: A revised policy for the sterilisation of stray and pet dogs is expected to be finalised soon, with stakeholders proposing a 14-point strategy to address shortcomings of the previous policy, revised in June 2023, which has failed to deliver desired results, sources said.

A meeting chaired by the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Nilkanth Halarnkar was convened to discuss and finalise the new policy. The meeting was attended by department officials, MLAs, and representatives from animal welfare organisations. The discussions focused on rectifying gaps in the earlier programme and implementing effective strategies.

Key proposals include the establishment of two sterilisation centres in each district, each capable of sterilising 100 dogs daily and housing up to 1,200 dogs for post-operative care. The centres will operate year-round under the direct management of the District Collector, with regular inspections by local authorities.

A MoU will also be signed with NGOs involved in sterilisation efforts to assist with implementation. Additional measures include the use of oral sedatives for capturing difficult dogs, mandatory registration and sterilisation of all owned dogs, and free sterilisation services at new centres and government facilities. A penalty will be imposed on pet owners who fail to sterilise their dogs, officials said.

The policy also incorporates financial aid under the Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme to support sterilisation efforts. Stakeholders believe these measures will help control the stray dog population, improve animal welfare, and ensure the programme’s effective implementation.