Kerala to issue stray dog euthanasia protocol before August 7: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will release a detailed protocol on the euthanasia of stray dogs before August 7, ahead of the matter being taken up by the Kerala High Court, Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Shaji said the protocol had been prepared following the Local Self-Government Department's decision to implement the Supreme Court's order permitting the euthanasia of rabid, incurably ill and demonstrably dangerous stray dogs.

"The protocol has been finalised after extensive consultations and will be released before August 7 so that it can be placed before the Kerala High Court when the issue comes up for hearing," the minister said.

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According to Shaji, euthanasia will be carried out only after approval from a designated seven-member committee.

The minister said the government would also strengthen measures to control the stray dog population by expanding Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres across the state. He noted that Malappuram and Kottayam are currently the only districts without ABC centres.

"There is not even a single ABC centre in Malappuram. That needs to be addressed immediately," he said.

Shaji added that the government plans to establish more dog shelters and introduce stricter measures against the abandonment of pet dogs.

Claiming that Kerala has nearly twice as many pet dogs as stray dogs, he alleged that many owners abandon puppies after their pets give birth to large litters.

"Pet dogs will be tagged, and those who abandon them will face heavy fines and stringent penalties. These measures are part of the new protocol," he said.

The minister said public opposition to setting up dog shelters remained one of the biggest challenges in addressing the stray dog issue. The government is exploring the possibility of establishing shelters in plantation areas and on notified forest land that does not have wildlife habitation.

"One acre of land can accommodate around 1,000 dogs. If every panchayat has at least one shelter, the stray dog problem can be substantially addressed," he said.