Tag: Animal Welfare

Human Interest

Goa Issues Advisory as Canine Distemper Cases Rise: Pet Owners Urged to Vaccinate and Stay Alert

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS), Goa, has issued an official advisory following the detection of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) cases in parts of the state. The department has urged all pet owners to take preventive measures, including timely vaccination and avoiding exposure to stray or sick animals.

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and can lead to severe illness or death, especially in unvaccinated animals. The disease targets multiple organs and systems, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. In advanced cases, it can cause muscle twitching, seizures, paralysis, and even hardening of paw pads.

The virus spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated objects like bowls, bedding, and toys. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk of infection.

Although there is no specific cure for Canine Distemper, early veterinary intervention can help manage symptoms and improve recovery chances. The AHVS emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure and should be part of every dog’s routine care.

Officials have also reassured the public that Canine Distemper cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus spreads exclusively among dogs through respiratory droplets, saliva, and contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals.

The AHVS urges all dog owners to remain vigilant, ensure regular vaccination schedules, and maintain clean, stress-free environments for their pets to minimize risk.

As Goa continues to see isolated cases, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging residents to report suspected cases to nearby veterinary clinics or the AHVS offices for timely action.

National

Rajasthan Takes the First Stance to Implement Supreme Court Orders on Feeding Stray Dogs

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Rajasthan has become the first and only state in India to actively implement the Supreme Court’s orders on the feeding of stray dogs. This move comes after months of national-level debate around whether feeding strays in public spaces is a right or a nuisance. The Supreme Court eventually took up the matter with seriousness, emphasizing that a humane, regulated, and public-health-conscious approach must be taken.

Acting on this, Rajasthan has begun setting up designated ‘feeding spots’ across urban areas, specifically for stray dogs, often referred to as Indies. These spots will not only ensure that feeding is carried out in an orderly and hygienic manner but also serve as a location point for further care — such as vaccinations and sterilisation. This aligns with the court’s recommendation to both feed and control the population through responsible methods.

India’s stray dog population is a staggering one. As per varying data, the number ranges anywhere between 15 million to nearly 60 million. With such numbers, concerns over animal health, public sanitation, and human-animal conflict are understandable. However, Rajasthan’s initiative is an example of balancing empathy with action.

This thoughtful step reflects a friendlier attitude toward street animals while still addressing public safety concerns. It affirms the understanding that stray dogs, though ownerless, are still living beings deserving of structured care and kindness. The decision to introduce feeding zones makes Rajasthan the first mover in a nationwide conversation around animal rights, urban responsibility, and compassionate coexistence.

As India continues to urbanize, such policies may well become essential parts of modern civic planning. Rajasthan has shown that compassion and governance can go hand in hand — and perhaps other states will soon follow.

Social

Goa Animal Federation Demands Immediate Mass Sterilization of Community Dogs Following Supreme Court Relief

Tanisha Cardozo

On a warm Sunday afternoon at Azad Maidan, Panaji, a large crowd of dog lovers, activists, and concerned citizens gathered under the banner of the Goa Animal Federation (GAF) in a unified show of support for humane community dog management. The event, which served both as a protest and a thanksgiving to the Supreme Court of India, was attended by several hundred animal lovers, all echoing one central demand: mass sterilization and vaccination of community dogs must begin immediately across Goa.

Prominent voices in Goa’s animal welfare movement—including Advocate Norma Alvarez, singer Hema Sardesai, K.D. Row, Prakash Kamat, Dexter Braganza, and Fidoli Pereira—were present, alongside GAF members and NGO representatives. They extended heartfelt gratitude to the Supreme Court for its recent revised order, which offers a humane, scientific, and sustainable framework to address the stray dog issue across India.

According to GAF, Goa currently has a sterilization capacity of 15,000 dogs per year, a number maintained largely by private NGOs. However, to effectively manage the stray dog population, Goa must reach a target of 50,000 dogs sterilized annually. Only then can the state hope to reach an 80–90% sterilization rate within the next three years, which would naturally reduce the population over the next 5–6 years due to the dogs’ life cycle.

“This is a public safety, animal welfare, and community health issue. Without aggressive government intervention, we’re delaying the solution,” said a GAF spokesperson.

Beyond sterilization, the GAF has also called on the government to:

  • Install at least two animal body incinerators in Goa for safe and hygienic disposal
  • Fulfill its long-standing promise of a 24×7 ambulance and veterinary clinic for stray animals

These facilities, they argue, are essential for upholding humane standards while addressing public health concerns and ensuring dignity for animals—even in death.

The Goa Animal Federation, which includes major animal welfare organizations across the state, reiterated its commitment to a lawful, scientific, and compassionate approach in line with the Supreme Court’s directives.

Their goal is clear: ensure Goa sets an example for the rest of the country in resolving the stray dog issue not through violence or fear, but through compassion, planning, and responsibility.

“Dog lovers aren’t just emotional people—they are citizens fighting for a sustainable, safe, and humane solution,” the press release concluded.

National

Supreme Court Extends Stray Dog Shelter & Vaccination Order Nationwide

allycaralgoa

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has extended its earlier order on stray dogs—originally applicable only to Delhi-NCR—to the entire nation.

The Court has directed that stray dogs should be taken to shelters, vaccinated, and then released back into the same area they were picked up from. This aims to ensure better animal welfare while addressing concerns of public safety.

At the same time, the Court has banned feeding of stray dogs in public spaces, cautioning that those who violate this directive will face appropriate legal action.

The ruling reflects an attempt to strike a balance between protecting citizens from stray dog attacks and ensuring humane treatment of animals.

Animal welfare activists have welcomed the vaccination mandate but expressed concern over the feeding ban, suggesting that designated feeding zones could be a more compassionate solution.

The decision is expected to significantly impact urban local bodies, NGOs, and citizens who engage in stray animal care across India.

Human Interest

Ponda’s Tejas Kovlekar Joins Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps

allycaralgoa

In an inspiring story of dedication and compassion, Captain Tejas Kovlekar from Ponda, Goa, has been commissioned as a doctor in the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC)—a unit that manages the training, welfare, and medical care of animals in the Army. The corps operates under the motto ‘Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma’ – ‘Service to animals is our duty.’

Tejas completed his military training in May 2025 and was commissioned as a Captain in June. His passion for animals has been lifelong, and according to his father, Nitin Kovlekar, who works at Goa Dairy, Tejas always had a soft spot for animals. His mother, Nikita, is a PWD employee.

After his 12th-grade education at GVM College, Ponda, Tejas surprised his family by choosing veterinary studies over traditional career routes. He cracked a competitive entrance at Kankavli, where only six out of 135 students were selected. He pursued veterinary medicine at a reputed college under Nagpur University in Mumbai.

Though his first attempt at the highly selective Army veterinary exam was unsuccessful, Tejas reapplied, cleared the rigorous five-day selection process, and successfully completed his training. The exam is known for its difficulty, with only a handful of candidates making it through nationally.

Tejas now joins the ranks of just four Goans who have served in the Army’s Veterinary Corps—a rare honour. He follows in the footsteps of Col Richmark Fernandes from Nuvem, who previously served as a UN peacekeeper in South Sudan.

His journey is a testament to determination, discipline, and the power of turning passion into purpose. Goa salutes its new Captain.