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* * * * * * * * * ANNUAL GOANETTERS MEET * * * * * * * * *
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Goanetters in Goa and visiting meet Jan 6, 2009 at 3.30 pm at Hotel
Mandovi (prior to the Goa Sudharop event, which you're also welcome to).
Join in for a Dutch dinner -- if we can agree on a venue after the meet.
RSVP (confirmations only) 9822122436 or 2409490 or f...@goa-india.org
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Dear Goanetters, WildGoans,
Please let us know if you come across any cribs housing protected
animals like pythons, crocodiles, mongoose, palm civets etc... For the
past three years we at WildGoa have been trying to put an end to this
menace. Animals housed in tiny cages, dehydarated, and exposed to the
elements, fed icecream & biscuts and someitmes slaughtered after the
crib is finished.
WildGoa's track record of stopping such cribs has been rather
unsuccessful mainly because of lack of awareness by general public,
apathy by the forest department, tip offs by the forest department
staff, goons threatening us and other reasons too..
This year, at one of the cribs located in South Goa, a python is caged.
What's worse is that this crib is awarded by the Cultural committee in
Kala Academy. The crib is also monitored around the clock by
troublemaker youth of the village, so taking pictures of the violation
is difficult. However, as I could not get in touch with the DCF of the
Forest Department, I went over to the office yesterday morning and
personally handed over a letter describing the python's situation, and
the location of this very same crib to Mr. Kamu Prakash. The Assistant
Conservator of Forests promised to help me, but its 24 hours since I've
lodged the complaint and I've been informed that the raid has still not
happened.
In such situations, lethargy of the department causes these offenders to
get away. In previous instances, people have tipped the offenders
moments before the raid and so the animals disappear. Therefore, when
reporting such instances, please be discreet, until the raid is finished.
If you would like to help, you can put some pressure on the forest
department. Call on ACF Mr. Kamu Prakash at 2229701 and ask him about
the status of the python kept in captivity in a south Goa crib. You can
also call ACF Mr. Pradeep Vernekar at 2228772 and let him know that its
been 10 days since the python is in captivity and that swift action is
needed.
Please let me know that you have spoken to any of these people for my
records. I shall let everybody know of the animals status, and location
of the crib once the raid is over.... hopefully today or tomorrow.
Thanks!
Clinton..
Benaulim/ Goa
+91 9890936828
Ps: Picture of the caged python was by JoeGoaUK. Thanks Joe.
