Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has called for coordinated efforts by government departments, local bodies, animal welfare organisations and the community to make Goa completely rabies-free by 2047.

Speaking on the occasion of World Rabies Day, Sawant stressed the need for sustained vaccination, mass sterilisation and responsible pet ownership to control the stray-dog population and prevent the spread of rabies.

He said the Education, Health and Animal Husbandry departments must work together with local bodies and animal welfare organisations to strengthen awareness, vaccination and population-management measures across the state.

Sawant highlighted Goa’s achievement of being declared India’s first rabies-controlled state in 2021, saying the state must now build on that progress and work towards complete elimination of rabies.

Emphasising responsible pet ownership, the Chief Minister urged owners to ensure timely vaccination of their dogs and prevent animals from being abandoned in public spaces.

He also highlighted the strengthening of veterinary infrastructure in the state. Sawant said Goa’s Veterinary College at Curti, Ponda, has enrolled its first batch of 40 students, with its formal inauguration scheduled for October.

A modern veterinary hospital equipped with advanced infrastructure is also being constructed at the college, he said.

Sawant said stronger veterinary facilities, trained professionals, scientific sterilisation and vaccination programmes, along with public participation, would be key to achieving the goal of a rabies-free Goa by 2047.