Kerala allows euthanasia of aggressive stray dogs: Who can be put down and what are the rules?
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has permitted the euthanasia of aggressive and terminally ill stray dogs under strict conditions. The Local Self Government Department has issued detailed guidelines for carrying out the procedure.
The order, issued by Local Self Government Department Special Secretary S Shanavas, is part of the implementation of directives in the Supreme Court's judgment in the suo motu case concerning stray dogs.
When can a stray dog be euthanised?
Under the guidelines, euthanasia may be considered if a stray dog:
Has a fatal disease causing severe and incurable pain despite treatment.
Has been confirmed to have rabies or shows strong symptoms of rabies.
Has suffered fatal injuries with no possibility of recovery.
Attacks humans or other animals without provocation and poses a serious threat to public safety.
The Principal Director of the Local Self Government Department has been directed to ensure that all local self-government institutions strictly follow these conditions.
Stray Dog Management Committees
Stray Dog Management Committees must be formed at the local self-government level to oversee stray dog control, management and the implementation of euthanasia.
Each seven-member committee will consist of:
Head of the local body — Chairperson
Local body secretary — Convenor
Concerned ward councillor
Veterinary officer of the area
Officer in charge of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre
Local medical officer
Representative of the State Animal Welfare Board
Five members will constitute the quorum, and decisions will be taken by majority.
How will euthanasia be carried out?
Euthanasia can be carried out only on the basis of a clear written recommendation from the committee and must be performed humanely.
The guidelines specify that:
Only a qualified veterinary surgeon can perform euthanasia.
Only intravenous injections of sodium pentobarbital or thiopental sodium may be used.
Painful chemicals and mechanical methods are prohibited.
Euthanasia must not be carried out in the presence or sight of other dogs.
The animal can be cremated or buried only after the veterinary surgeon clinically confirms its death.
The veterinary surgeon and committee members must record and certify the details in a register.
Dogs cannot be killed immediately after capture
Stray dogs identified for euthanasia must first be kept under observation in isolation kennels or ABC centres for two to three days.
During this period:
Recognised animal welfare organisations or animal lovers can adopt the dogs.
The responsibility for post-adoption care will rest entirely with the adopter.
If the dog is not adopted and the conditions for euthanasia are met, the procedure can be carried out as prescribed.
Separate register for euthanasia cases
A dedicated register must be maintained for all euthanasia cases.
It must include:
Place where the dog was captured
Photograph or identification tag
Specific reason for euthanasia
Certification of death by the veterinary surgeon and committee members
The expenses involved in euthanasia will be borne by the respective local bodies.
Monthly audit of euthanasia data
Data on euthanasia carried out by all local bodies will be subject to mandatory monthly audits by the State ABC Implementation and Monitoring Committee.
Protection for officials
The order also refers to protection available to officials implementing the Supreme Court's directions.
Officials who honestly carry out the court's orders as part of their official duties will receive protection from FIRs, criminal proceedings and coercive action.
However, this protection will not apply if:
Mala fide intent is established.
There is gross abuse of power.
Officials act contrary to the Supreme Court's directions.
The guidelines are aimed at ensuring that euthanasia, where permitted, is carried out only in clearly defined circumstances and under veterinary and administrative oversight.