Stray dog menace: Situation in state serious, will meet CM and prepare an action plan, says M B Rajesh

KANNUR: Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the stray dog issue in the state is serious. The minister informed that he will meet the chief minister and prepare an immediate action plan to solve the stray dog menace. ABC Centre will be set up in 152 blocks in the state. The minister said currently thirty of these are ready. The intention is to solve the issue with public participation.

The Supreme Court had directed the Justice Sirijagan Commission to urgently submit a status report related to stray dog attacks in the state. The court has informed to issue an interim order directing a solution on September 28. A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice J K Maheshwari demanded all the parties, including the state government, to submit remedial proposals.

The court had made it clear that the interim order was being issued in the context of the major threat of stray dog attacks in Kerala. The court said they cannot accept dogs biting people on the streets. 'I also like dogs and has one at home. However, the problem of stray dogs in Kerala is serious. Has to find an immediate solution, said Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Meantime, on behalf of the state government, senior advocate V Giri sought permission to eliminate stray dogs as per municipal and panchayat rules. On behalf of the petitioners, advocate V K Biju also pointed that children given rabies vaccine are dying. A report was sought from the commission after accepting Biju's demand. However, animal lovers' lawyer said the killing of stray dogs for this reason is not acceptable.