Legal action for feeding stray dogs on streets; Kerala issues new rules

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has authorised local self-government institutions to initiate legal action against people who feed stray dogs on roadsides and public streets. Boards prohibiting the feeding of stray dogs in public places will be installed, while helpline numbers will be introduced at local bodies to enable people to report violations.

The government has also directed all public institutions, including schools, hospitals, bus depots and railway stations, to appoint nodal officers to coordinate measures aimed at keeping their premises free of stray dogs.

Local body officials have been given full authority to implement the directives issued by the Local Self-Government Department and may seek police assistance if their work is obstructed. However, feeding stray dogs will continue to be permitted only at designated feeding centres identified by local bodies, with the number of centres decided based on the stray dog population in each ward.

Local bodies will issue notices to the heads of public institutions, including school principals, hospital superintendents and railway station masters, directing them to ensure their premises remain free of stray dogs. Administrative and legal action may be initiated against institutions that fail to cooperate.

Other key directives

• Stray dogs found near schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stops, railway stations, parks and other crowded public places must be captured on a priority basis.
• Captured dogs will be sterilised, vaccinated against rabies and dewormed before being released at the same location. Dogs infected with rabies or those displaying aggressive behaviour will be shifted to shelters.
• More Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres will be established across the state.
• Stray dogs adopted by individuals will be given identification tags.
• Local bodies will coordinate with the National Highways Authority, state highway authorities, police and veterinary officials to remove stray dogs and other animals that obstruct traffic on national and state highways.
• Government and private educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots and railway stations within each local body's jurisdiction must appoint nodal officers. The names of the designated officers must be displayed at the entrance of the institution and shared with the respective local body.