Man shoots neighbour’s dog with air gun, booked

Margao: Margao town police on Friday registered a case against a 20-year-old man for allegedly shooting his neighbour’s pet dog with an air gun, at Navelim, on Thursday, leaving the canine seriously injured.Jovito Fernandes, a resident of Navelim, allegedly fired four pellets from an air gun at a dog belonging to Valentina Vieira from Bellem, Navelim. The incident occurred in an open field area in the Salcete village, according to the police complaint filed by Raj Pratik, a DSPCA (District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) officer.The Vieira family told reporters that three of the four bullets struck the dog, hitting the stomach and head areas and causing serious injuries to the animal.

Following the attack, the family immediately reported the incident to both the local police and the DSPCA, which filed a separate complaint in the matter.Earlier in the day, animal lovers gathered at the Margao police station demanding that the accused be arrested and stern action be taken against him.The injured dog is currently hospitalised and undergoing treatment. Police said they were awaiting the dog’s detailed medical report before proceeding with further action in the case.Margao town police have registered the case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.Police said no arrests have been made so far, and further investigation is in progress.