In an effort to address the growing issue of stray dogs in Kerala, the state government will launch a month-long vaccination drive for stray dogs starting in August. The initiative will be carried out jointly by the Local Self-Government Department and the Animal Husbandry Department. The decision was taken during a meeting attended by Local Self-Government Department Minister MB Rajesh and Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchurani.

The vaccination drive for pet dogs is scheduled to begin in September. As part of the broader plan, the government will also make it mandatory to obtain licences for pet dogs.

The state has also decided to invoke the euthanasia provision under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023. Minister MB Rajesh stated that Section 8 of the rules pertains to euthanasia, and the government will act in accordance with this provision.

He noted that one of the main challenges in managing the stray dog crisis is the public resistance to Animal Birth Control Centres. To address this, the meeting resolved that criminal cases will be registered against those who disrupt the operations of these centres.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce 152 portable Animal Birth Control units at the block level across the state. Each unit will receive a financial allocation of Rs 28 lakh.

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