Kerala is set to introduce mobile Animal Birth Control (ABC) units in 152 blocks. This move aims to control the rising stray dog population and reduce dog attacks and rabies deaths. The government will also permit euthanasia of seriously ill animals under new animal welfare rules.
Rising Stray Dog Attacks in Kerala
In the first five months of 2025, stray dogs bit 1.65 lakh people in Kerala. These attacks caused 17 deaths. The number of dog bite cases has steadily risen since 2023, with over 3 lakh cases annually. The Kerala High Court recently questioned why such incidents are not declared a state disaster. India reported 37 lakh dog bite cases in 2024. Kerala has nearly 2.9 lakh stray dogs and over 8 lakh pet dogs.
Challenges in Implementing ABC Rules
The Union Government’s ABC Rules, 2023, mandate sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs. Kerala faces hurdles in implementing these due to local opposition and impractical conditions. The state has only 15 ABC centres and plans to add 18 more. Some districts have no centres due to protests. Last year, only 15,767 dogs were sterilised and 88,744 vaccinated. The rules require dogs to be released at the capture site and mandate advanced facilities and trained staff. Kerala seeks amendments citing these as impractical.
Euthanasia Provisions and Controversies
Kerala invoked Section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2023, to allow euthanasia of diseased or mortally injured animals. A veterinary doctor must certify the condition. The process includes sedation and blindfolding to reduce suffering. Written consent from owners or custodians is required. This move faces criticism from animal welfare groups and legal challenges, especially regarding consent for stray dogs.
Reasons Behind Stray Dog Population Growth
Experts link the rise in stray dogs to poor waste management. Though Kerala has systems for household waste, waste from poultry shops and slaughterhouses remains unmanaged. Stray dogs feed on this waste and food scraps. Additionally, many pets abandoned after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns have increased stray numbers.
Mobile Sterilisation Units as a Cost-Effective Solution
The mobile ABC units will be piloted in Nedumangad before statewide deployment. These units are more affordable than permanent centres. They aim to increase sterilisation coverage and reduce stray populations. This approach may overcome local resistance by being less intrusive.
Legal and Social Implications
The Kerala government’s approach raises legal and ethical questions. Balancing animal welfare with public safety remains complex. Community participation and awareness are critical for successful implementation. The state’s efforts reflect growing concerns over human-animal conflict and public health.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the challenges in implementing animal birth control programmes in India with suitable examples.
- Explain the role of waste management in controlling urban stray animal populations and its impact on public health.
- What are the legal and ethical considerations involved in animal euthanasia policies? Discuss with reference to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- With suitable examples, comment on the human-animal conflict in urban areas and suggest sustainable mitigation strategies.
