Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Goa Orders Stray Dogs Shifted From Public Places
Goa is trying to manage stray dogs found in public places.
The government says these dogs should be taken to shelters.
Before that happens, the dogs must be sterilised and vaccinated.
This follows directions mentioned from the Supreme Court.
Goa counted 27,864 stray dogs in 2019.
Newer numbers are not available because the latest census results have not been released.
Local government bodies are responsible for carrying out the dog-control programme.
Officials received reports about dog bites from some departments, but the exact number was not given.
Goa reported 27,864 stray dogs in the 2019 livestock census.
Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said strays from public institutions will be moved to shelters.
The dogs are to be sterilised and vaccinated before being shifted, following Supreme Court directions.
The latest stray dog population data is unavailable because the 21st Livestock Census has not been published.
Local bodies are responsible for the Animal Birth Control programme, while the Animal Husbandry Directorate acts as a facilitator.
Dog-bite information was received from health, tourism and police authorities, but no figures were specified.
- Who
- Goa Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, local bodies and other authorities are involved.
- What
- Stray dogs found in public institutions and other public places are to be sterilised, vaccinated and shifted to designated shelters.
- When
- The statement was made in the Goa state assembly on Wednesday; the cited 2019 census recorded the dog population, while the 21st Livestock Census ran from November 2024 to April 2025.
- Where
- Goa, including educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and railway stations.
- Why
- The measure is intended to address stray dogs in public places and comply with the Supreme Court directions and Animal Birth Control rules.
- 2019 stray dog population
- 27,864 dogs in Goa
- Latest census
- The 21st Livestock Census was conducted from November 2024 to April 2025, but its data has not been published.
- Required measures
- Stray dogs from specified public places are to be sterilised, vaccinated and moved to designated shelters.
- Programme responsibility
- Local bodies are responsible for implementing the Animal Birth Control programme.
- Facilitating agency
- The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services facilitates the Goa Small Animal Rescue programme.
- Dog-bite reports
- Information was received from the Directorate of Health Services, Department of Tourism and Goa Police; no numbers were specified.
- Other departments
- The Directorate of Education, Urban Development and Directorate of Panchayats reported no dog-bite cases.