Context

Kerala is currently facing a serious public health crisis due to a surge in stray dog attacks. In 2024 alone, over 3.17 lakh people sought medical treatment for dog bites in the state. Rabies-related deaths have also increased, sparking public outrage and policy discussions. In response, the state government has allowed local bodies to carry out euthanasia of diseased stray dogs under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023.

Why Are Stray Dogs Becoming a Problem?

Stray dogs have long coexisted with human settlements in India, but in recent years, they have increasingly posed health and safety risks. Several reasons contribute to the growing menace:

·         Uncontrolled population growth due to ineffective sterilisation and vaccination drives.

·         Aggressive behaviour triggered by hunger, illness, or perceived threats.

·         Irresponsible pet ownership and abandonment of dogs.

·         Lack of clear feeding zones, leading to territorial conflicts.

·         Abuse, neglect, and forced relocation of strays, making them defensive and violent.

·         Community feeding practices without adequate safeguards or monitoring.

What Do the 2023 Rules Say?

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023 aim to provide a structured approach to stray dog management, supplementing the existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Key provisions include:

·         Standardised implementation of sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination.

·         Monitoring Committees at the State, district, and municipal levels to oversee ABC and related programs.

·         Mandatory involvement of AWBI-recognised organisations for carrying out sterilisation.

·         Feed spot designation by RWAs in locations with minimal public footfall.

·         Creation of Animal Help Centres to report bite cases and seek assistance.

·         Responsibility placed on local bodies for controlling stray populations and preventing conflicts.

Most importantly, the rules permit euthanasia of stray dogs only if:

·         The animal is diagnosed as incurably ill or mortally wounded.

·         A registered veterinary practitioner certifies that keeping the animal alive would be cruel.

·         The procedure is carried out humanely by a qualified veterinarian under committee supervision.

Kerala’s Recent Measures

Due to the limitations of the ABC Rules (which do not allow euthanasia), Kerala has turned to the 2023 Animal Husbandry Rules to address urgent situations:

·         Local bodies are now empowered to carry out euthanasia of severely ill or diseased strays.

·         Mobile ABC units are being deployed across 152 block panchayats to fast-track sterilisation.

·         A vaccination campaign for stray dogs is scheduled for August, followed by licensing and vaccination of pet dogs in September.

·         The state has urged the Union government to amend the ABC Rules to allow euthanasia in select public health emergencies.

Local opposition to permanent ABC centres has led to a focus on mobile units that can operate without triggering protests. Authorities have also warned against obstructing public officials working on ABC programmes.

Conclusion

Kerala’s decision to allow humane euthanasia of diseased stray dogs reflects the complex balancing act between public health, animal welfare, and legal mandates. With the rising number of dog bite cases and rabies deaths, reactive policies must be matched with systemic and humane long-term strategies. Clearer laws, community participation, and robust ABC implementation are essential to resolving this ongoing conflict between humans and strays.