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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is facing renewed scrutiny over its management of stray dogs after a dramatic spike in dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths across the state. Official data reveals that more than 1.65 lakh people have been bitten by stray dogs in the past five months, resulting in 17 deaths—a surge that has reignited public and political debate on the effectiveness of current policies.
A key concern is the underutilization of funds allocated for stray dog management. Local self-government institutions (LSGIs) have spent just Rs 13.59 crore out of the Rs 98.93 crore earmarked over the last two years, raising questions about administrative efficiency and commitment.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission recently demanded an urgent action plan from the state government. However, conflicting views have emerged over legal constraints. The Local Self Government Department (LSGD) attributes the crisis to central laws that restrict the culling of stray dogs, allowing only sterilization and vaccination. Minister M B Rajesh emphasized that the Supreme Court’s rulings and existing laws prohibit the killing of aggressive or rabid dogs, obliging authorities to let rabid animals die naturally rather than euthanize them.
This stance has been challenged by bureaucrat N Prasanth, who argues that animal welfare falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, empowering states to enact context-specific laws. He cited precedents such as Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu legislation and Kerala’s 1968 ban on animal sacrifice, suggesting that Kerala could introduce a law specifically targeting violent stray animals.
Amid mounting pressure, the LSGD and animal husbandry department have scheduled a meeting for July 16 to discuss solutions. In the interim, 18 new Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres are set to begin operations, with the government reiterating its commitment to large-scale sterilization and vaccination drives.
Veterinary experts have also called for urgent legal amendments and stricter adherence to protocols. The Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) warns that failure to administer the full five-dose anti-rabies vaccine regimen to dogs exposed to rabies, along with inadequate quarantine measures, is fueling the spread of the disease. The IVA has urged the government to ensure humane euthanasia for aggressive, rabies-suspect dogs, or to amend laws to allow their removal when public safety is at risk.
The crisis is compounded by gaps in post-bite care and vaccine management. Reports indicate that even vaccinated individuals have succumbed to rabies, prompting calls for investigations into vaccine storage and administration practices. Experts stress that every dog bite must be treated as a medical emergency, and that robust waste management is also essential to control the stray dog population.
As Kerala grapples with the dual challenges of public health and animal welfare, the coming weeks are likely to see intensified debate and policy action.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 12, 2025, and draws upon official data and expert opinions reported by The New Indian Express and other sources. The situation is evolving, and readers are advised to consult local authorities and official channels for the latest updates and guidance regarding rabies prevention and stray dog management.
