HC Nod For Curbing Stray Dog Menace

KOCHI: Granting permission to the local authorities to take appropriate measures for curbing the stray dog menace, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed all local authorities to carry on destruction of incurably ill and wounded dogs under Rule 9 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules 2001 which mandates ‘Euthanasia of Street Dogs’ (a type of mercy killing). The court held that strays have to be captured for vaccinations and sterilisation which is the obligation of the local bodies with the aid of the Animal Welfare Board. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A M Shaffique said all strays are not required to be killed and killing has to be undertaken by the local authorities only in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the provisions of the Rules 2001.

Other directives

➤ Local authorities should issue public notice regarding dog control cells and it should provide fund for dog pounds, including kennels and shelter, dog vans with driver and dog catcher

➤ The state should also ensure that necessary infrastructure be acquired by all local authorities and to provide financial assistance

➤ Animal Husbandry Dept and local authorities should ensure veterinary hospitals are set up in all districts, poly clinics at taluk head quarter-level and taluk- level