PAWS FOR THOUGHT

Promoting Pet Adoption in Goa this New Year

- Seeja Prabhu

As the New Year dawns in Goa, amidst the picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant celebrations, there remains an often-overlooked crisis: the plight of the numerous stray animals that roam the streets, battling harsh conditions, hunger, and neglect. Despite Goa's image as a paradise for travelers, it is also home to an alarming number of stray dogs and cats that struggle daily for survival. This reality calls for immediate action-an urgent need to rethink how we view and treat animals, particularly the need to promote pet adoption and responsible care for strays. It is time to reflect on the powerful message: Adopt, Don't Shop.

The Stray Crisis: An Unseen Epidemic

In Goa, the stray animal population is growing at an alarming rate. The state's idyllic streets, often crowded with tourists and locals, also teem with animals—dogs, cats, and other creatures—who have nowhere to go. Many of these strays were once beloved pets, abandoned when their owners grew weary, or animals born into a world of neglect. These animals face innumerable challenges: malnutrition, disease, abuse, and, tragically, death on the streets due to traffic accidents, starvation, or lack of medical care.

As heartbreaking as it is, the issue of strays is compounded by the Unsterilized animals continue to reproduce at an alarming rate, contributing to an ever-growing population of strays. This vicious cycle perpetuates their suffering and further strains animal shelters that are already overwhelmed and underfunded. Yet, amid this crisis, there lies an untapped solution: adoption.

Adopt, Don't Shop: A Call to Conscience