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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7 (IANS) Kerala Local Self Government Minister MB Rajesh on Friday said removing all stray dogs from the state’s roads as directed by the Supreme Court is not a practical proposal.
The minister said that in many areas there are also protests against opening Animal Birth Control (ABC) shelters.
“When there is opposition to even the establishment of ABC shelters, how can all the stray dogs be removed?” he asked.
Rajesh said the state government has not yet received a copy of the Supreme Court order and a detailed response will be issued after examining the official direction.
The apex court’s purported direction to remove stray dogs from public places is a significant challenge for Kerala.
Identifying adequate land for shelter homes, ensuring proper facilities and deploying adequate personnel are major hurdles.
Even the existing ABC centers are functioning below capacity in many districts.
According to the latest livestock census, there are more than 2.8 lakh stray dogs in Kerala.
Only 15,825 dogs were sterilized last year, while 9,737 dogs have been sterilized so far this financial year.
There are 19 ABC centers in the state, some of which are not operational, and a total of only 595 animal catchers.
The government has cited local opposition as a major obstacle to finding land for ABC centres.
In response, it has proposed setting up portable ABC units.
However, officials worry that if residents oppose even these, it will be nearly impossible to set up full-fledged shelter homes.
Earlier, suggestions were made to identify deserted areas near forests to set up such facilities.
Each dog would require an individual kennel, and more catchers and staff would have to be deployed.
Given the high costs and logistical constraints, the state is exploring viable options before finalizing its stand.
A clear plan is expected to emerge after ministerial consultations and a meeting with the Animal Welfare Board.
–IANS
SG/VD