Kerala to fine owners for abandoning pet dogs under new street dog action plan

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is preparing a new action plan to tackle the stray dog menace, including the identification of hotspots within local body limits and stricter regulations for pet ownership.

Under the proposed measures, owners who abandon sick or infirm dogs on the streets will face fines. Local bodies will also be required to ensure that all pet dogs are licensed.

The government plans to introduce new regulations governing dog breeding, sale and vaccination at breeding centres. Local bodies will be required to allocate funds to implement these measures.

As part of the strategy, stray dog hotspots will be identified and appropriate control measures introduced. These will include euthanasia in cases permitted under the Supreme Court's guidelines. The action plan has been divided into five focus areas: pet dogs, stray dogs, measures to facilitate stray dog control, public awareness and emergency response.

A meeting to finalise the proposals will be held under the chairmanship of Minister K.M. Shaji.

The government is also considering setting up additional Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, with low-density areas likely to be identified for their establishment. Assistance from NGOs and other voluntary organisations will be sought to support the initiative.

The proposed guidelines will also specify designated places and timings for feeding stray dogs at shelters, while promoting responsible pet ownership. The appointment of trained dog catchers to transport stray dogs to ABC centres is also under consideration.

The government has clarified that euthanasia, as permitted by the Supreme Court, will be considered only as a measure of last resort.