Thiruvananthapuram: Local Self Government Minister K.M. Shaji announced on Thursday that the Kerala government will soon introduce a comprehensive protocol to address the state's growing stray dog issue, featuring explicit framework policies on euthanasia, adoption, shelter management, and Animal Birth Control (ABC) initiatives.

Speaking to reporters, Shaji explained that two foundational government orders are currently being finalised prior to the official rollout.

"Once the orders for these two policies are issued, we will declare it. It will come without much delay," he said.

The Minister noted that recent directions from the Kerala High Court have provided needed clarity on administrative roles, helping outline the specific obligations of local self-government institutions.

"We will provide the exact details of these schemes very clearly. What is euthanasia, what is adoption, what is the responsibility of the panchayats, how should dog shelters be set up, and what is the Animal Birth Control (ABC) project - all these will be clearly explained," he said.

Shaji expressed confidence that with active, coordinated participation across local bodies, the problem could be brought under control within a twelve-month timeframe. He emphasised that success hinges on whether "panchayats, municipalities, corporations, and the government made a sincere effort."

Addressing media queries regarding alleged friction between senior IAS officers within the LSGD over ongoing sanitation programs, Shaji dismissed rumors of an internal rift.

"There is no fight inside our office. No kind of fight at all. But there is competition - good, healthy competition," he said.

He clarified that waste management and sanitation drives involve multiple agencies operating under distinct departmental heads, making it natural for overlapping components to feature in large-scale state initiatives. The challenge, he noted, stems from managing an extensive scope rather than inter-departmental discord.

The Minister added that the state's broader sanitation drive should be treated as a collective responsibility, calling it a milestone challenge not just for administrative officers, but for the entire public of Kerala. (PTI)