Goa Govt Sets Up Task Force to Tackle Stray Dog Menace Following Supreme Court Order

Panaji 12th August 2025; In compliance with a Supreme Court directive dated 11 August 2025 in Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5/2025 concerning the issue of stray dogs, the Goa government has moved swiftly to establish a dedicated Task Force.

As per instructions issued by Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nilkanth R. Halarnkar, the Task Force will be led by the Deputy Director (Epidemiology) and will include two Assistant Directors—one each for North Goa and South Goa—to oversee operations in their respective districts.

An official order issued on 12 August 2025 by Dr. Veena Kumar, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), formalized the committee’s constitution.

The members are:
• Dr. Nitin Naik, Deputy Director (Epid.), Dept. of AH & VS, Panaji – Chairman

• Dr. Atanazia Fernandes, Assistant Director, Veterinary Hospital Sonsodo – Member (South Goa District)

• Dr. Charlette Fernandes, Assistant Director, Govt. Poultry Farm, Ela, Old Goa – Member (North Goa District)

The Task Force has been mandated to prepare and execute an action plan for the rehabilitation of stray dogs, working in close coordination with concerned civic bodies and ensuring adherence to the Supreme Court’s guidelines.