Tag: Animal Welfare

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Enhances Road Safety with Reflective Collars for Stray Cattle

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a unique and impactful step towards enhancing road safety and community well-being, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business (VAB) has rolled out a reflective collar drive for stray cattle in the villages of Amona and Navelim, Goa. The initiative is part of Vedanta’s TACO (Towards A Conscious Operation) program and was conducted in partnership with Maina Dairy Society.

Titled “Lighting the Way to Safer Roads,” the initiative targets one of the most overlooked yet dangerous causes of night-time road accidents in rural areas — stray cattle. With the increasing number of vehicles on rural roads, cattle wandering at night pose serious safety risks. The reflective collars make the animals highly visible in low-light conditions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents for both drivers and animals.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, traffic officials, and Vedanta employees. Notable attendees included Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of VAB, Mr. Sadanand, PSI of the Traffic Cell, and Maina Dairy Society representatives Mr. Shivanand Naik and Mr. Sundar Naik. Their presence underscored the collective effort required to address such critical issues.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Saptesh Sardesai remarked,

“This initiative is not just about preventing accidents — it’s about valuing every life, human or animal, and fostering safer communities through simple yet effective interventions.”

The drive is part of Vedanta’s larger commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, combining safety, innovation, and local partnerships to solve grassroots challenges.

By focusing on collaborative problem-solving and community-led awareness, Vedanta continues to demonstrate how responsible corporate action can make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of people.

As roads across India become busier, initiatives like this offer a scalable model for rural safety and welfare, reminding us that impactful change often begins with small, thoughtful steps — or in this case, a collar that glows in the dark.

Human Interest

Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Murugan Appupillai Honored by Goa Chief Minister

allycaralgoa

In a heartwarming ceremony held in Goa, Dr. Murugan Appupillai, Director of Education at Mission Rabies, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the state’s progress over the past 11 years. The Chief Minister of Goa presented the felicitation, highlighting Dr. Murugan’s dedication and commitment to improving public health and animal welfare through his work with Mission Rabies.

The ceremony was a grand celebration of Goa’s achievements, bringing together individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s growth and development. Dr. Murugan’s efforts in advancing Mission Rabies’ initiatives, particularly in rabies prevention and education, were specifically mentioned by the Chief Minister during his speech.

Mission Rabies has been working tirelessly to create a rabies-free world, and Dr. Murugan’s leadership has been instrumental in driving this mission forward. Through its comprehensive programs, the organization has made a tangible impact on public health and animal welfare in Goa.

The recognition of Dr. Murugan’s work is a testament to the power of compassion and service. His dedication to Mission Rabies’ mission has inspired countless individuals and organizations to join the fight against rabies.

The Chief Minister’s felicitation is a message of appreciation for Dr. Murugan’s tireless efforts and a reminder of the impact that one individual can have on their community. As Mission Rabies continues to expand its initiatives, this recognition will undoubtedly inspire further growth and collaboration in the pursuit of a rabies-free world.

We congratulate Dr. Murugan Appupillai on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing our work in rabies prevention and education.

Social

Coastal Belt Sterilisation Camp 2025 Launched at Colva

allycaralgoa

Goa, 2nd April 2025 – In a significant step towards managing the rising population of stray dogs along Goa’s coastal belt, the much-awaited Coastal Belt Sterilisation Camp 2025 was launched in Colva. The sterilisation drive aims to address the increasing concerns over stray dog population growth and rising cases of dog bites along the coast.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik stated “We had promised this initiative, and we made sure that it has happened. The well-being of our residents and visitors is our top priority, and this sterilisation drive is a crucial step in mitigating the issues caused by the increasing stray dog population. With this initiative, we are taking a step towards a long-term, sustainable solution to this challenge,”

As part of the campaign, awareness drives were conducted at Cavelossim-Mobor beach, where citizens and shack owners were sensitized about the importance of sterilisation. The initiative will continue until April 19, 2025, covering multiple locations along Salcete’s coastal belt.

With a number of reported incidents of dog attacks on visitors, including international tourists, the authorities have sought the cooperation of tourism stakeholders and local communities to effectively address the issue. The camp aims to ensure a humane and sustainable solution while promoting responsible pet care and animal welfare.

Social

Rabies Awareness Event Held in Mapusa to Educate and Empower

allycaralgoa

In a bid to spread awareness about the deadly rabies disease, a special event was organized in Mapusa, Goa, on February 27, 2025. The event, held at Ganesh High School, Ganeshpuri, Mapusa, was flagged off by renowned animal welfare expert and veterinarian, Dr. Luke Gamble, Founder and CEO of Mission Rabies and Worldwide Veterinary Service UK.


Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies claims the lives of approximately 55,000 to 60,000 people worldwide every year. In India, rabies is a significant public health concern, with thousands of reported cases annually.


The rabies awareness event in Mapusa aimed to educate the local community about the risks and consequences of rabies, as well as the importance of vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Dr. Luke Gamble, a leading expert in animal welfare and rabies prevention, shared his insights and expertise with the audience, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat this deadly disease.


Mission Rabies, founded by Dr. Luke Gamble, is a global initiative that aims to eliminate rabies worldwide through mass dog vaccination programs, education, and community engagement. The organization has already made significant strides in reducing rabies cases in various parts of the world, including India.


The rabies awareness event in Mapusa served as a call to action for the local community, urging individuals to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them. By working together, we can create a rabies-free future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.

Join the fight against rabies! Learn more about Mission Rabies and how you can contribute to this noble cause.