Removing all stray dogs in Kerala is not practical, says Minister M B Rajesh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister M.B. Rajesh said that it is not practical to remove all stray dogs in the state. He noted that even starting an ABC shelter faces protests. "Then how can we remove all stray dogs?" the minister asked. He was speaking in the context of the Supreme Court order directing the removal of stray dogs from public places such as educational institutions, bus stands, and railway stations. He also said that the government has not yet received the official copy of the judgment, and that he would respond once there is a clear instruction to remove all stray dogs.

The order to remove stray dogs from public spaces was issued by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria. The court also directed that the dogs should be moved to protection centres. All states and Union Territories have been instructed to inspect public and private educational institutions, sports centres, and other places under their jurisdiction and remove stray dogs.

District magistrates have been asked to ensure that proper walls or fencing are in place at educational institutions, hospitals, and government offices to prevent stray dogs from entering. Regular inspections must be conducted to ensure these places remain free of stray dogs. The court also strictly directed that caught stray dogs should not be released back into the same area.