Panaji, May 23: A government-appointed lifesaving agency in Goa has reported a surge in stray dog attacks on beachgoers, including foreign nationals and a Bollywood actor. Drishti Marine Lifesavers, tasked with beach lifeguarding, revealed that within two weeks in May 2024, three of their lifeguards were attacked by packs of stray dogs on various state beaches.
According to the agency, on May 22, lifesaver Roshan Patil was bitten while patrolling Betalbatim beach, while on May 21, Sarvesh Tandial faced a similar attack at Calangute beach. Sashikant Jadhav, operations manager for North and South Goa sectors, was also bitten multiple times while patrolling Mandrem beach.
Reports indicate that beachgoers, particularly at Benaulim and Colva beaches, have faced similar encounters. Instances include a Russian woman being bitten by five dogs and a Canadian woman chased by a pack of four dogs, both requiring medical attention. Bollywood actor Rayya Labib sustained injuries after a dog chase at Colva beach.
These incidents underscore the urgency for authorities to address the growing menace of stray dog attacks, especially in popular tourist areas like Goa’s beaches. (PTI)
