Sick stray dogs to be subjected to euthanasia with veterinary surgeon's certificate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister M B Rajesh said sick stray dogs can be subjected to euthanasia with a veterinary surgeon's certificate. It was decided at a high-level meeting on the issue of stray dogs chaired by the minister that local self-government bodies should take advantage of this.

The minister clarified that if the central government or the state government is convinced that any animal is sick enough to spread the disease, then Animal Husbandry Practice and Procedure Rules, 2023, allow them to be euthanized to control such disease.

If a veterinary expert certifies that the animal is fatally injured or its health condition is in a deplorable state, it can be euthanized. The minister also clarified that the local bodies will be instructed to utilize it. The law stipulates that euthanasia must be carried out under the supervision of a veterinary doctor, following any procedures prescribed for euthanasia.