Loving the Unconfined Canine EVESCAPE NEWS FEATURES/GOA Cruelty against animals, though widely prevalent, is a neglected issue in Goa -- thanks to the insensitivity of the government towards animals. Cruelty to animals is an offence – under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code – punishable with imprisonment and fine. There are also increasing incidents of intimidation faced by those who choose to take care of unconfined animals, even as such action is considered an offence under the Indian Penal Code (specifically, Section 503 of Indian Penal Code read with Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code 1860). Thousands of stray dogs live on the streets of Goa. Street canine population is closely associated with municipal sanitation practices or neglect -- these unconfined dogs often survive by scavenging rubbish. Although they are widely feared for carrying rabies, most street dogs are not aggressive and will only bite