Times of India 23.07.2009
MMC at a loss over homes for stray dogs
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is grappling to find a suitable place for treating stray dogs following the refusal of the animal husbandry department to let its premises to the MMC for the purpose.
MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho admitted that the plan has suffered a setback, but was guarded in his comments. "The plan may have been delayed but definitely not grounded. The project would have been operational by now had the animal husbandry department given its nod to allow a part of its property to be used for treating the stray dogs by NGO. Nevertheless, we are committed to handle the stray dog menace and will identify a place soon," Coutinho told TOI on Wednesday.
The MMC had plans to erect a shed, to be handed over to South Goa welfare trust for animals (SGWTA), an animal welfare organization, to treat stray canines, at a place owned by the MMC at the old market. However, following objections to the proposal by some councillors at the last council meeting, the plan was dropped amid suggestions that the chief minister's help be sought in obtaining land for the purpose.
"We are seriously considering the two options we have before usgo ahead with our plans by constricting a shed at the old market, or allow the NGO to operate at a place identified by them," Coutinho said. Sources informed that the MMC has asked the SGWTA to take a suitable place on rental on temporary basis until a long term arrangement is worked out.
MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho admitted that the plan has suffered a setback, but was guarded in his comments. "The plan may have been delayed but definitely not grounded. The project would have been operational by now had the animal husbandry department given its nod to allow a part of its property to be used for treating the stray dogs by NGO. Nevertheless, we are committed to handle the stray dog menace and will identify a place soon," Coutinho told TOI on Wednesday.
The MMC had plans to erect a shed, to be handed over to South Goa welfare trust for animals (SGWTA), an animal welfare organization, to treat stray canines, at a place owned by the MMC at the old market. However, following objections to the proposal by some councillors at the last council meeting, the plan was dropped amid suggestions that the chief minister's help be sought in obtaining land for the purpose.
"We are seriously considering the two options we have before usgo ahead with our plans by constricting a shed at the old market, or allow the NGO to operate at a place identified by them," Coutinho said. Sources informed that the MMC has asked the SGWTA to take a suitable place on rental on temporary basis until a long term arrangement is worked out.
