Stray dog feeding in Kerala; new circular warns of legal action

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's Local Self Government Department has issued a circular authorising local bodies to initiate legal action against people who feed stray dogs in public places, including roadsides. Under the new directions, stray dogs may be fed only at designated feeding centres identified by local bodies within each ward. Those found feeding dogs at unauthorised locations will face legal action. Local bodies will also set up helpline numbers to receive complaints.

The circular states that preventing the proliferation of stray dogs in public institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals and bus stands will be the responsibility of the respective local bodies. Nodal officers must be appointed at such institutions, while the heads of the institutions will also be responsible for keeping their premises free of stray dogs. Action may be taken against institution heads if they fail to fulfil this responsibility.

At stadiums and sports complexes, security and groundkeeping staff must maintain round-the-clock surveillance to ensure stray dogs do not take shelter on the premises.

The circular also directs local bodies to expedite the establishment of shelter homes for stray dogs and conduct special drives to capture them. Applications from people willing to adopt stray dogs will be accepted by local bodies, and the animals may be handed over after being fitted with special identification tags. Dogs identified as dangerous may be euthanised in accordance with applicable rules. The government said detailed guidelines on stray dog control and euthanasia will be issued shortly.