Shelter for stray dogs: Revenue land will be identified in each district

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a Supreme Court order to address the problem of stray dogs, the state government has directed district collectors to identify revenue land in each district for setting up shelter homes. The project will be implemented with the participation of local self-government institutions, using government land, including puramboke land.

The Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department have instructed district collectors to find suitable land and take steps to implement the project. Marshlands, barren land and puramboke land near forest areas are being considered. Shelters will be built to accommodate between 100 and 1,000 dogs. Shifting stray and aggressive dogs to these shelters is expected to help reduce rabies, attacks and road accidents.

Maintenance by local bodies

• Local self-government institutions will be responsible for maintaining the shelters. Facilities must be set up in line with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the Animal Welfare Board for housing and caring for dogs.
• Providing government land for shelters will help local bodies avoid a major financial burden.
• Local bodies must arrange fencing, roofing, kitchens, food preparation facilities, staff for catching and caring for dogs, and vehicles.
• Support from veterinarians of the Animal Husbandry Department, along with vaccination and other preventive care, should be made available. Help from animal lovers and voluntary organisations may also be sought for shelter operations.

Shelter capacity based on land area

10 cents: 100 dogs
30–35 cents: 500 dogs
50 cents: 1,000 dogs

Stray dogs
2019–20: 7 lakh
2025: 9 lakh