Supreme Court Bars Kerala Local Bodies from Releasing Captured Dogs Back on Streets

Swift Summary

• The Supreme Court’s decision prevents civic authorities from releasing sterilised and immunised stray dogs back on the streets, boosting Kerala’s efforts to control the growing street dog menace.
• Local Self-Governments Minister M.B. Rajesh criticised Central government rules as impractical, claiming they hinder State efforts to address the issue effectively.
• As January, at least 11 deaths (including 3 children) due to rabies have been reported in Kerala; over 100,504 dog bite injuries recorded untill April 30.
• Stray dogs are contributing to public health concerns like rabies and cause road accidents involving pedestrians and riders.They also pose risks in parks and threaten early-morning walkers and cyclists.
• Local bodies face challenges due to insufficient kennels, veterinarians, dog catchers, and resistance from residents against building Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres in their neighborhoods.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The legal mandate preventing sterilised stray dogs from returning to their original locations adds complexity for local authorities already struggling with resource constraints such as inadequate kennels or veterinarians. While ensuring humane treatment of animals is critical under national law banning culling since 2001, balancing this with public safety concerns requires innovative solutions at both State and Central levels.

Kerala’s ongoing street dog crisis underscores broader challenges faced by urban administrations across India that juggle human-animal coexistence amid rising urbanisation. Collaboration between State governments and the Center might be essential for revisiting outdated frameworks like ABC rules while mitigating tensions surrounding residential opposition to new facilities.

Ultimately, proactive policymaking tailored for specific regional needs aligned with public health priorities may offer a way forward. Rabies-related fatalities indicate an urgency for reviewing vaccine efficacy along with complete containment strategies addressing the core issue of unchecked stray populations.Read More: Link