पशुसंवर्धन एवं पशुचिकित्सा विभाग
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND
VETERINARY SERVICES

The Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme, 2014

Whereas, the Government of Goa deems it expedient to frame a scheme for the purpose of small animal rescue in the State of Goa.

Now, therefore the Government of Goa is hereby pleased to frame the following Scheme namely:-

1. Short title and commencement:

• This Scheme may be called The Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme 2014.
• It shall come into force with effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Introduction:-

According to a rough estimate there are around 30,000 stray dogs in this State. A number of them were not cared for and are left either wounded or suffering from various diseases. Government of Goa is concerned about the suffering of stray animals on the streets and has come up with a Scheme to reduce the suffering of the stray dog population. Unregulated breeding has resulted in large number of sick and starving dogs and puppies on the streets and beaches. The Corporation, Municipalities and Panchayats will work with Animal Welfare Organizations in the State to try to scientifically reduced and manage the number of strays by sterilizing them and vaccinating them against rabies, resulting in control of the stray dog populations as well as protecting them against rabies. The dogs once vaccinated against rabies, cases of rabies in humans will also reduce in the State. The main goal is to improve the welfare of stray dog populations through a comprehensive sterilization programme carried out as part of the animal birth control (ABC) scheme, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, and rules made thereunder.

3.Objectives:

1. To ensure that the stray dogs do not proliferate, thus reducing their population.
2. To ensure that these strays are protected against rabies and will not be carriers of Rabies and spread it to other animals and humans.
3. To ensure the safety of citizens as these strays are being controlled in number and also vaccinated against Rabies.

4. Eligibility:

1. Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Panchayats who have signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Animal Welfare Organizations with the Local Bodies.
2. The Animal Welfare Organizations should necessarily be registered in Goa and working in Goa for last 3 years.
3. International Animal Organizations authorized by the Animal welfare Board of India, may also apply.
4. Those Organizations who have applied for grants from the Animal welfare Board of India for the same components shall not be eligible for the same grants under this Scheme.

5. Pattern of Assistance:-

1. As these animals have to be caught from the road side they need to have a Vehicle with a driver cum animal catcher. Grants up to 90%, will be given to finance the cost of the vehicle. The salary of the driver cum animal catcher will be covered with 100% grants from this Scheme.
2. After the animals are brought to the shelter, they will be treated, operated & vaccinated by a Veterinary Surgeon. 100% grants will be given towards the cost of the surgery, feeding of the animals and medication. 100% grants will also be given towards the payment of the monthly salary of the Veterinary surgeon.
3. These animals will have to be housed before the surgery and after the surgery, for which a structure will have to be provided along with cages where the strays will be kept for at least 3 days after spay. 100% grants will be provided for the structure and cages.
4. These animals will have to be fed for 3 days before and after the surgery. 100% grants will be given towards the cost of feeding the dogs for these 3 days.
5. The cost of the sterilization will include anesthesia, surgical material, medication and other requisites for which 100% grants shall be provided.
6. These animals once sterilized will be identified either with the ear tag or microchip or notching and released at the same locality from where they were collected.
7. Once the surgeries are conducted the AWO will present the organs to the local Assistant Director/Veterinary Officer for verification and mutilation. Thereafter, the local Officer will issue a certificate of the organ count. This certificate shall be produced at the time of release of the subsidy.

6. Maximum Unit Cost:-

7.Procedure :

1. The Animal Welfare Organizations who have signed MoU with the Local Bodies shall apply for grants to the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services through these local bodies, in whose jurisdiction the AWO intends to work in application form appended hereto marked as Annexure-I and Annexure-II.
2. The local bodies like the Corporation, Municipality or the Panchayats can also apply individually.
3. On verification of the contents of the application the Local Body shall recommend the same to the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services through the local Officer of the Dept of AH&VS.
4. In case of grants for infrastructure, documents indicating the ownership of land or a copy of the lease deed document to be submitted along with the application. NOC from the Statutory authorities is essential to release the grants.
5. On approval from the Department of AH&VS the grants shall be disbursed to the local body through the Electronic Clearing System (ECS) for which these bodies shall have to provide their Bank details needed for ECS.
6. To avoid duplication of grants to the AWO from the Animal Welfare Board of India and under this Scheme, the local body shall deposit the grants in a separate account and disburse the same only within the components as specified under the Scheme and when required by the AWO.
7. The Commissioner of the Corporation / Chief Officer of the Municipality /Secretary of the Panchayat in whose jurisdiction the AWO works will verify and certify the bills towards the costs of the components as submitted in the application and submit an audited report along with Utilization Certificates as required under the existing administrative, legal and financial regulations.