THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralam has reported 2.18 lakh cases of dog bites and lost 14 lives to rabies so far this year, highlighting the seriousness of stray dog menace despite continued efforts and the Supreme Court’s intervention.
With four deaths, Kollam accounted for the highest rabies deaths, followed by Thiruvananthapuram, which reported three.
Though the Supreme Court ordered removal of stray dogs from public places, the move is yet to gain traction on the ground as a majority of local bodies struggle to set up shelters to house the canines. Persistent gaps in sterilisation, vaccination and shelter infrastructure continue to hamper efforts to address the issue.
Though the state government issued a euthanasia protocol, its implementation remains elusive. A senior local self-government department (LSGD) official said implementing the protocol requires dedicated facilities, trained personnel and transport infrastructure, which many local bodies are yet to put in place. “An ABC centre or an isolated location equipped with kennels is required to implement the euthanasia protocol. Local bodies must also arrange vehicles and recruit trained dog catchers first,” the official said.
Former chief secretary A Jayathilak had directed district collectors to identify suitable forest land, particularly along forest boundaries, for setting up shelters without creating public nuisance. However, no district has reported identifying and submitting details of suitable land, the official said. “A reminder was sent from the minister’s office, but no response has been received,” said the official.