Chief Minister Pramod Sawant earlier declared Goa COVID-19 free as all 7 patients recovered and no new cases have been seen since April 3, 2020. However, the state is still following lockdown protocols with beaches being closed for visitors. Which is why stray dogs that were dependent upon scraps from beach shacks and tourists have found it difficult to find food.
According to Times Now News, Drishti Marine, a private agency that provides lifeguard services is feeding 30 kgs of food and 30 liters of water to stray dogs on South Goa beaches and around Old Goa heritage sites every day.
Goa: Drishti Marine, the agency appointed by the state government for lifeguard duties at Keri beach, feeds stray dogs at the stretch of the beach. pic.twitter.com/jWpPRVQQG1
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2020
The Times of India quoted Executive Director Ravi Shankar saying,
“At the beach stretch between Baga to Sinquerim there are close to 200 dogs, often in packs of 10 to 12, who habitat near the areas where there is a high density of beach shacks. With no water or food coming their way, the dogs had grown aggressive and restless. Thanks to Cohiba [a nightclub], who have graciously opened their kitchens for us to cook a hearty meal for the strays of rice, meat broth, and turmeric, we are now able to feed the dogs between Singuerim and Baga.”
He added,
“At all of our 38 lifeguard towers across the coast, we have created a water station for the strays. A large bowl of water which is constantly replenished with freshwater offers respite from the harsh summer heat to the stray animals and birds.”
Here’s how Twitter lauded their kindness and generosity:
Praiseworthy 👌👍
— Mayank Mehta (@mehta_mnk) April 23, 2020
Thank you for your service.
— Awarewolf (@awarewolf__) April 23, 2020
Great work !👍
God bless!— Dévèn (@devfr) April 23, 2020
🙏❤
— Ansh dagdi (@DagdiAnsh) April 23, 2020
It certainly is wonderful to see this crisis bringing out the compassion and goodness in all of us. Kudos!