THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With complaints mounting from local residents against those sheltering multiple dogs at home, the shortage of authorised facilities to house strays is emerging as a major challenge for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. While many animal lovers continue to provide care for rescued animals, the civic body remains unable to intervene effectively due to the absence of public-sector shelters.
In the wake of the growing crisis, Mayor V V Rajesh will convene a high-level meeting on Saturday with officials from the animal husbandry department, members of the State Animal Welfare Board, and animal welfare organisations to discuss the implications and identify solutions.
The council has promised to establish at least 50 shelters within city limits. However, the recent Supreme Court directions and the decision of the State Animal Welfare Board to make registration and licensing mandatory for home-run and private shelters have dealt a blow to the corporation.
Officials fear that stricter norms may further shrink the shelter space available. To comply with the SC directive, the local body will have to relocate around 3,000 dogs from bus stands, railway stations, educational institutions, and other establishments.
The corporation has decided to urge the animal husbandry department to simplify procedures so that more private shelters and home-based rescuers can secure licences.
“There are many animal lovers caring for a large number of stray and rescued dogs. But the current norms are stringent, and most of them may not qualify for registration. If the civic body steps in to take over these animals, we need authorised shelters to house them. The meeting will discuss all these concerns,” an official said.
Meanwhile, the State Animal Welfare Board is preparing to implement the Pet Shops Rules and Breeders Rules across Kerala.
People for Animals (PFA) plans to submit a memorandum to the mayor, outlining recommendations aligned with the Supreme Court’s directive on stray dog management.
“We need an ABC centre for every three or four wards. Hundreds of feeders operate across the capital and they require registered feeding passes. ABC centres must have dedicated shelters for wounded, diseased, and pregnant dogs. Implementing the pet shop and breeder rules should be a priority,” PFA member Sreedevi S Kartha said.