Keralam targets zero free roaming dogs in public spaces in 10 years

Kerala aims to eliminate free‑roaming dogs from public spaces within ten years, targeting stray and community dogs in high‑density areas. An expert panel jointly formed by Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, the animal husbandry department and the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association drafted the roadmap, and Principal Director of Local Self‑Government Divya S Iyer said the department is fully aligned with its vision. The panel cited rising stray‑dog attacks, rabies deaths and densities of 150‑250 dogs per sq km as reasons for intensive sterilisation, vaccination, adoption drives, mandatory pet registration and micro‑chipping, plus scientific waste management. Sanjay D warned that current animal‑birth‑control projects lack continuity because funding is annual, while Shibu Simon urged adoption of both puppies and adult reproducing dogs. “On proposed timelines, we must be practical. Setting up the required infrastructure takes time,” Divya said. The first two years will aim to cut density to 10‑15 dogs per sq km, create a dedicated corpus fund, expand ABC centres, set up high‑volume veterinary facilities, a Veterinary Public Health Wing and integrate registration with the KSMART platform.

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The New Indian Express

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Keralam targets zero free roaming dogs in public spaces in 10 years

Sources

More in Adoption

Panel proposes 10 year roadmap for stray dog issue in Keralam

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‘Self approval, self policing’: PETA India’s Anjana Aggarwal tears into govt’s draft rules on animal testing

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Government steps on vet services, dairy and stray dogs

NHAI steps to stop stray animal accidents on highways

Stray dog orders and ABC Rules: AWBI compliance circular