NT Reporter
Panaji
In the absence of incinerators, animal carcasses are being buried in shallow pits, a practice that could potentially create a public health crisis in the state, animal welfare groups have warned.
The problem is expected to be most severe in municipal jurisdictions such as the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), which is likely to run out of space to bury dead animals in the near future, said welfare groups.
“An incinerator is the need of the hour and this should be setup before it is too late as Panaji will run out of space soon,” Goa Animal Federation (GAF) stated, adding that Goa is likely the only state without an animal carcass incinerator.
Around 30,000 small and large animals die across Goa every year, said GAF, while raising the urgent need for incinerators.
GAF vice-president Prakash Kamat said that the CCP-run People for Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) treats thousands of dogs and cats every year. “On an average, CCP collects and disposes of over 1,000 animal carcasses annually from PAWS alone,” he said.
However, as burial space diminishes, CCP is struggling to identify suitable locations to bury dead animals, he said, adding that the situation is similar across all other municipal areas.
While CCP has identified two parcels of land within its jurisdiction for setting up an animal incinerator, the proposal remains at a preliminary stage.
GAF warned that without coordination and support from multiple government departments, the project may not materialise in time.
GAF treasurer Vijendra Gairola said that non-governmental organisations have been pressing the state government for animal carcass incinerators for the past 11 years.
