THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly two months after their rescue, stray dogs sheltered by the Thiruvananthapuram corporation are reportedly struggling for survival, sparking serious concerns over their welfare and management.
In a shocking development, three out of around 50 dogs shifted by the corporation to a private shelter in Karumkulam panchayat — located 50 km away from the capital — have died. Sources said two dogs succumbed to suspected tick-borne disease while one died of rabies, raising questions about a lack of scientific planning in housing the animals. Sheltering stray dogs had been one of the key election promises highlighted by the BJP leadership in the corporation.
Animal rights activists have alleged that several dogs are being confined at the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre at Vandithadam in Thiruvallam without adequate space, sunlight, or movement. Sreedevi S Kartha, a member of People for Animals (PFA), who visited the facility, said the condition of the dogs is deteriorating. “During the rescue, the dogs were healthy. As per guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), healthy animals should not be confined for more than six hours. Prolonged caging amounts to a violation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” Sreedevi said.
According to her, the animals have been kept at the facility for nearly two months. “A lack of movement can lead to muscle weakness and isolation can increase aggression. They need to be shifted to proper shelters immediately, or their survival will be at risk,” she added.
Amid reports highlighting the dire situation, an animal rights activist from Palakkad has offered to relocate the dogs to his shelter. Pradeep Payyoor, who runs a shelter housing around 650 dogs, said he faced an attack after posting about the issue on social media.
“After showcasing the rescue for political mileage, there has been little follow-up on the dogs’ living conditions. I am willing to shift them to my facility,” he said.
The dogs were initially rescued following the intervention of the Kerala State Human Rights Commission. However, activists allege that the corporation has failed to establish proper shelters for them.
The decision to shift some of the dogs to Karumkulam panchayat had also triggered protests from local residents. Latha Indira, secretary of PFA Thiruvananthapuram, said many of the dogs picked up from areas such as Kulasekharam and Vattiyoorkavu were community animals with regular feeders.
An official with the corporation said the rescue was carried out as per the Human Rights Commission’s directive. “We had limited options as this is an ABC centre. We are taking care of the dogs and efforts are under way to relocate them to suitable shelters,” the official said.