Kannur panchayats allocate funds but lack essential shelters for sterilised dogs

Sixty‑six panchayats in Kannur district allocated funds for stray dog sterilisation but have no dedicated shelters, so sterilised dogs are released back onto the streets. The article said the panchayats earmarked an average of ₹1 lakh each, with some setting aside up to ₹3 lakh, for the programme in Kannur, Kerala. Officials noted the district has only one operational Animal Birth Control centre in Padiyoor, running two units that can sterilise 14‑16 dogs a day; as of 5 October, 8,563 dogs had been treated. The 2019 animal census recorded 71,721 dogs in the district, of which 23,666 were strays, and officials expect a fresh count to be higher. The article quoted the ABC data: “Only two operational units can sterilise between 14 and 16 dogs a day.” Because euthanasia is permitted only for rabid or severely ill dogs, the animal husbandry department said systematic vaccination, stricter waste‑dumping controls, adoption drives and penalties for pet abandonment are required, and it plans to promote stray‑dog adoption and joint anti‑rabies campaigns while urging local bodies to establish proper shelters.