Cochin civic officials spending lavishly on sterilization of stray dogs

Kochi: The Cochin municipal corporation is reportedly spending wholesome money on sterilization of stray dogs. Over the last four years, Rs 93,07,040 has been shelled out for the purpose. To be exact, a total number of 1,448 stray dogs have  been sterilized in a period of three years between 2021-24. Which means, Rs 6,4 50 has been spent on each of those dogs. 

The figures are way higher when compared to money spent for such purposes in the Thrikkakara and Kozhikode municipal councils.

In Thrikkakara, between 2020-21, 150 stray dogs were sterilized by spending around Rs 3,15,000. (i.e. almost Rs 2,100 per dog). In the time period between 2023-24, 1,703 stray dogs were sterilized in the Kozhikode corporation. A total amount of Rs 37,33,820 was shelled out for the purpose.

These details were included in the reply given to an RTI filed by activist M K Haridas. Despite spending so much money, the officials involved do not have a clear cut idea regarding the number of stray dogs present in the respective regions.       

Year	Number of sterilized dogs (Kochi corporation)	Expenditure	Expenditure/Dog
2020-21	350	Rs 24.54 lakh	Rs 7,012
2021-22	575	Rs 20.40 lakh	Rs 3,549
2022-23	375	Rs 25.32 lakh	Rs 6,757
2023-24	143	Rs 22.77 lakh	Rs 15,927

Stray Dog Menace in Kerala

There have been alarmingly-high number of cases involving stray dogs in the state. A couple of days ago, CCTV visuals of the incident surfaced showing three schoolgirls being chased by two stray dogs at Kalpakanchery. The video showed one of the children falling down while attempting to evade the dogs. Showing remarkable courage, she managed to scare off the dogs by throwing stones at them, prompting the dogs to retreat.

Local residents have voiced growing concerns about the rising population of stray dogs in the area, which has significantly hindered their mobility and safety.

Supreme Court's take on the issue

Last month, the Supreme Court addressed concerns over the issue of stray dogs, particularly in Kerala and Mumbai, emphasizing that while it is prepared to address the matter, it will not broaden the scope beyond what is currently under consideration. The court highlighted the significance of the Animal Birth Control Rules of 2023, suggesting that many of the raised issues could potentially be resolved through these regulations. It encouraged all parties involved to familiarize themselves with these rules and a recent advisory from the Animal Welfare Board of India, indicating that these steps could mitigate a substantial portion of the problems. The court deferred further proceedings to allow time for thorough review of the rules, underscoring that any unresolved issues could subsequently be addressed in the respective high courts. (With added inputs)