Kerala govt's ABC programme hits roadblock with only 32,061 dogs being vaccinated

Thiruvananthapuram: The recurring number of violent stray dog attacks in the state has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme launched by the Kerala Government. 

As per the latest reports, the lack of coordination between various departments has toppled the government's initiative to capture, neuter, and release stray dogs. 

Although the government has planned to vaccinate around 3 lakh stray dogs, only 32,061 received vaccine shots from September 2022 to 11 June 2023. The data released by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry also revealed that 4,38,473 domesticated dogs were administered the vaccines. 

Following several cases of stray dog attacks in the state, the Kerala Government set aside Rs 10.36 crores in September 2022 to sterilise stray dogs. The government also announced several other projects, including strengthening the ABC Programme through local bodies and launching shelters to harbour stray dogs.

Following public outcry over the dog menace, various departments, including Health and Animal Husbandry and Local Self Governments, joined hands to implement the project. However, uncertainty remained over the capture and sheltering of dogs. As a result, the project got delayed across the state. 

In addition to this, the protests from locals have barred authorities from establishing sterilisation centres and shelters in several places. The Animal Husbandry Department also refused to cover the cost of providing meals to caged dogs.