Surakshit Goa - Safe Communities for All
India is a country of great complexity—rich in culture, religion, and tradition, with deeply rooted belief systems that vary from region to region. Goa, though known for its scenic charm, is still largely rural in mindset, where compassion for animals often exists—but isn't always fully understood or expressed in conscious ways. Many people care, but haven’t been taught that animals, like humans, experience pain, fear, and love.
We believe that with patience, education, and compassion, even the most rigid mindsets can shift. When communities are supported and shown a better way, the transformation is not only possible—it’s often miraculous.
The Problem
In Goa, animal welfare is at a tipping point. Over the past few years, dog bite cases have been rising, and so has public frustration. But behind every bite is a deeper issue—unchecked street dog populations, poor garbage management, a lack of sterilization, and widespread cruelty.
In many areas, dogs are tied on short chains 24/7 as “security,” without shelter or stimulation. Others are abandoned when they fall sick or become inconvenient. These animals often grow fearful, anxious, and aggressive. The result? Tension, complaints, threats of violence, and a growing disconnect between humans and animals.
Our Response: Surakshit Goa
Surakshit Goa is our grassroots initiative to build safer, more aware, and more compassionate communities across the state. Our aim is simple: to reduce conflict, cruelty, and overpopulation—while improving hygiene, safety, and coexistence between humans and animals in every neighborhood.
This isn’t a one-time campaign. It’s a long-term, four-stage model designed to help communities move from confusion and conflict to confidence and compassion.
Our 4-Stage Model
Stage 1:
Listening, Learning & Laying the Groundwork
- We begin by understanding the local landscape.
- We identify dog colonies, conduct surveys, and speak with residents.
- We gather and analyze data to pinpoint key issues.
- We present our findings and invite the community to participate.
- Together, we build a custom action plan tailored to the area.
- This stage builds trust, sets the tone, and lays the foundation for meaningful change.
Stage 2:
Awareness & Education
We focus on changing mindsets.
Through interactive workshops and discussions, we teach:
- How to read dog behaviour and prevent bites.
- Basic animal protection laws and rights.
- Responsible pet ownership.
- The link between garbage and overpopulation.
- Conflict resolution and community-led problem solving.
- We also engage children and youth through school programs—because compassion starts young.
Stage 3:
Community Action & Ownership
With knowledge comes empowerment.
Residents take the lead with our support:
- Creating feeding and watering points away from high-traffic zones.
- Reporting cruelty or abandonment.
- Assisting in sterilization and vaccination drives.
- Monitoring and managing community animals.
- Recognizing and rewarding active volunteers.
- This phase helps shift the community from dependence to ownership.
Stage 4:
Sustainability & Exit
- Our goal is to leave behind a system that works.
- We train local volunteers to lead and mediate.
- Share educational resources and ongoing support tools.
- Conduct an endline survey to assess impact.
- Slowly step back, while ensuring the community can sustain progress on its own.
Why Surakshit Goa Matters
- Because dog bites are a symptom, not the cause.
- Because cruelty is preventable when people are informed.
- Because lasting change doesn’t come from conflict—it comes from community.
- Surakshit Goa is about transforming fear into understanding, cruelty into care, and chaos into coexistence.
One panchayat at a time, we are building a safer Goa—for everyone who calls it home.
