Sterilization of stray dogs: Crores unutilized, action plan to control dogs, ministerial meeting on Monday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The details regarding crores of rupees which was not utilised for sterilization of dogs during the last five years (2016-2021) has come out. This was revealed before the ministerial meeting to be held on Monday regarding the stray dog issue in the state. Out of Rs 113.42 crore allocated by local bodies, only Rs 25.09 crore was spent. This is the figure after Kudumbashree was handed over the charge of sterilization. Even after 21 years since the start of the animal birth control program (ABC) for stray dogs, not even 25 percent has been spent. From 2001 to 2016, Rs 12.95 crore was allocated, but only Rs 1.49 crore was spent. Yesterday, five people were bitten by dogs in various parts of the state, including a class 6 student.

The government is seeking the help of animal lovers as the current number of stray dogs cannot be reduced even if sterilization is resumed. The possibility of transferring the dogs to animal shelters or handing them over to those who are interested in fostering them is also being investigated.

A meeting of top officials from Local, Health and Animal Husbandry departments will discuss the matter under the chairmanship of Minister MB Rajesh at 3 pm on Monday. A meeting of animal lovers' organizations on district basis will be called later. Providing financial assistance to them is also under consideration.

The High Court had earlier prevented sterilization through Kudumbashree due to lack of basic facilities. Sterilization centres can be started only if they follow the norms of the National Animal Welfare Board.
Block Panchayats are of the opinion that it will take at least six months to start sterilization centres with surgical facilities.