Stray dog ‘Goa’ adopted by Ratan Tata was symbol of his love of animals

Mumbai, October 10: ‘Goa’, who was once a stray, adopted by businessman and philanthropist Ratan Tata, was brought to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) on Thursday, to pay last respects to his master, after he passed away on October 9 at the age of 86.

“This dog has been with us for the last 11 years. The security guards brought this dog from Goa when we went there for a picnic. Ratan Tata loved him a lot. The name of the dog is Goa since he was brought from Goa,” the caretaker of the dog said.

Tata earlier revealed on Instagram that during his trip to Goa a stray dog started following him. He decided to adopt him and bring him to Mumbai. He named him ‘Goa’ and gave him shelter at the Bombay House in Mumbai along with other stray dogs.

The event highlighted the importance of adopting stray animals and promoting compassion towards all living beings. Ratan Tata has been a long-time supporter of animal welfare initiatives.

A strong advocate for animal rights, he had issued instructions that the headquarters of Tata Group, Bombay House would not turn away stray dogs, allowing them to roam free inside its premises.

The ‘Small Animal Hospital’, Mumbai (SAHM) was started by Tata trusts, a philanthropic institution, to care for cats and dogs. The pet hospital became operational on July 1. The hospital offers life support to critically ill and injured animals, advanced diagnostic services, including CT scans, ultrasound and MRIs. It also  offers 24/7 emergency services.

Ratan Tata had also issued instructions to Mumbai’s Taj Hotel that stray animals would be allowed inside the premises of the hotel.