Thiruvananthapuram Mayor keeps his word: 70 dogs illegally housed at female police officer's residence shifted to ABC Centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The municipality has removed approximately 70 stray dogs that were being illegally kept in the home of a female police officer, causing disturbance to local residents. Yesterday morning, municipality staff and health workers, led by Mayor VV Rajesh, confiscated the dogs from the home of Metilda, who lives in Madavoorpara near Chenkottukonam and works at the Kazhakoottam police station. The dogs were transported to the municipality's ABC Centre in Vandithadam using specially equipped vehicles.

Residents filed a complaint against Matilda two years ago because she kept dogs at her home without taking any safety precautions or adhering to hygiene regulations. As a result, the entire area was filled with a foul smell, making it difficult for locals to go outside. The constant barking and untimely howling of the dogs left the residents with no choice but to file a complaint.

The residents of Chenkottukonam are relieved that the mayor has fulfilled his promise to find a solution to the problem by January 31. Fifty dogs currently housed at the municipality's ABC Center in Vandithadam were vaccinated and then transferred to the shelter after observation. More than seventy dogs that had just arrived have taken their place.

Process will be expedited

The dogs evacuated from the police officer's residence will be transported to the ABC Center for sterilization and vaccination against rabies. After a week of observation, they will be sent to the municipality's shelter, according to Mayor VV Rajesh. It is estimated that there are over 2,500 stray dogs within the municipality's limits. Final discussions are taking place with the landowner to secure seven acres of land for establishing a new shelter. Once this is finalized, more than 3,000 stray dogs will be rehabilitated, the mayor stated.