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Stray dogs rule the streets in Idukki’s Muttom; complaints fail to trigger official action

Stray dogs rule the streets in Idukki’s Muttom; complaints fail to trigger official action

Stray dogs and unrestrained domestic dogs are roaming the streets of Muttom in Idukki, Kerala, creating serious safety risks for pedestrians, school children, and two-wheeler riders. Local residents and civic groups stated that packs of stray dogs gather at key hubs like the taxi stand, the town centre, and Kurishupally Junction, leading to occasional dog bites and vehicle accidents caused by territorial fights spilling onto main roads. Local residents and civic groups alleged that authorities have failed to take decisive action despite repeated appeals to manage the situation. The crisis is worsened by ineffective past sterilization drives by the local panchayat, poor compliance with mandatory pet registration rules, and improper roadside waste disposal that provides a steady food source for the dogs. Local residents and civic groups can press the local panchayat to enforce pet licensing rules, clear roadside waste, and conduct new sterilization programs for stray dogs.

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