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Animal Cruelty Group Battles Tourism Beach Dog Plan
14 Oct
Summary
- Animal welfare group opposes tourism department's stray dog initiative.
- Action allegedly violates Supreme Court directions and animal laws.
- Group demands immediate withdrawal of seven-day notice for the drive.
A significant conflict has arisen in North Goa as the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has formally opposed the tourism department's initiative to relocate stray dogs to beaches for adoption. The DSPCA asserts that this drive infringes upon existing statutory provisions and Supreme Court mandates.
Dexter Braganza, honorary executive secretary of DSPCA, North Goa, stated that declaring public beaches as exempted areas to justify animal relocation is unlawful and in contempt of the Supreme Court. The organization has communicated its objections to the tourism department, the directorate of animal husbandry, and the Animal Welfare Board of India.
The DSPCA referenced the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, as the primary legal framework governing animal welfare. They have cautioned that forcibly moving animals could create serious welfare issues and unpredictable consequences.
Beyond demanding the retraction of the public notice, the DSPCA has called for strict instructions to all relevant personnel to avoid any interference with community animals and their caretakers that could violate legal directives.
