THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as local bodies in the state are preparing to go for euthanasia of terminally ill and aggressive stray dogs following the Supreme Court’s directives, the animal husbandry department has proposed a parallel framework to regulate the feeding of community dogs by introducing designated feeding spots, fixed feeding hours and identity cards for registered caregivers.
The draft standard operating procedure (SOP), which is expected to be approved by the local self-government department (LSGD), recommends eliminating open garbage dumps, enforcing scientific disposal of poultry and meat waste, and identifying low-footfall feeding zones to reduce human-animal conflict.
As per the proposal, anyone intending to feed stray dogs will have to obtain approval from the local body, feed only at designated locations and during specified hours, and carry an official caregiver identity card.
Animal husbandry department deputy director D Sanjay told TNIE that those who want to feed strays including animal welfare organisations, animal lovers and citizens should submit a request to the secretary of the respective local body and get an ID card.
‘Objective is not to prohibit feeding but to regulate it’
“The application will be examined by a seven member committee constituted under the ABC rules. The committee will approve the feeding spots, recommend an alternative location or reject the application. Approved caregivers will be permitted to feed dogs only between 5am and 6am and 10pm and 11pm,” he said.
He said designated feeding spots are intended to balance animal welfare with public safety. “One of the reasons stray dogs may become aggressive is starvation. Earlier, dogs had access to open garbage dumps. With improved waste management and the work of Haritha Karma Sena, food waste is no longer available in many places,” he told TNIE.
He said the department has identified different categories of people who feed stray dogs, including genuine animal lovers and those who routinely dispose of household food waste by feeding dogs during morning walks.
“The objective is not to prohibit feeding but to regulate it. Feeding should happen only at designated places that are away from areas frequently used by children and senior citizens. Feeding near bus stops or other crowded public places should not be permitted,” he said. He said the proposed system would help avoid growing disputes between feeders and residents.
Dept proposal
Those intending to feed stray dogs will have to obtain approval from local body
Dogs should be fed only at designated locations and during specified hours
They must carry an official caregiver identity card
