Stray dog issue; Kerala apologizes to Supreme Court, submits affidavit

NEW DELHI: “Not done intentionally, apologies. There was a delay in collecting information...” Kerala filed an affidavit with an apology yesterday after the Supreme Court was angered by the lack of explanation for the stray dog ​​control measures. The sudden move comes just as the Chief Secretary was ordered to appear in person tomorrow.

The court had asked the states to submit an affidavit on August 22 to know how effective the ABC rules were in a situation where stray dog ​​attacks are alarming. Most of the states, including Kerala, did not submit an affidavit when the case was considered on October 27. Angered by this, the court ordered the chief secretaries to appear tomorrow.

The affidavit was filed by Tinku Biswal, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department. Tinku Biswal is likely to appear tomorrow instead of Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak. The ABC rules are implemented jointly by the Local Self Government and Animal Husbandry Departments. The reason was explained as the delay in collecting data on sterilisation, vaccination and rabies prevention in a coordinated manner.

76,242 stray dogs in 140 panchayats alone!

🔸 Affidavit states that the survey found that there are 76,242 stray dogs in 140 panchayats

🔸 A portable ABC center was opened in Nedumangad. In seven more districts within a year

🔸 Mass vaccination was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram with the aim of making Kerala rabies-free. Extended to Kollam and Kottayam

🔸 Local body allocation for ABC and anti-rabies project in 2025-26 is 14.52 crores. People are not cooperating with ABC center

🔸 Fines are being levied from those who throw food and meat waste in public places. An amendment to the law has been brought for this

🔸 1,51,610 stray dogs were vaccinated from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. 15825 dogs neutered

🔸 ABC Centres: 19

🔸 ABC Vans: 12

🔸 Surgeons: 38

🔸 Dog catchers: 595