Thiruvananthapuram: J Chinchu Rani, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, has revealed plans to address the stray dog situation in Kerala. 

During a media interaction, she stated that instructions would be given to concerned officials to prioritise the 170 hotspots identified by the department. Furthermore, the minister highlighted the establishment of animal shelters at the district level to capture and relocate aggressive stray dogs.

The minister also announced the implementation of pet shop rules and dog breeding regulations in the state starting November 2023. She emphasised the compulsory requirement of licences and rabies vaccinations for pet dogs.

In terms of progress, the minister reported that 18,852 stray dogs have undergone sterilisation procedures across the state. In addition, 33,363 stray dogs and 4.7 lakh domestic dogs have been vaccinated.