Thiruvananthapuram: Govt plans to establish animal birth control (ABC) centres in all 152 block panchayats in the state as part of a broader programme to tackle the growing stray-dog population and rabies threat.Local self-govt minister K M Shaji told the assembly that 21 permanent ABC centres and one portable centre were currently functioning in the state. Construction of nine additional centres had been completed, while work on nine others was progressing. The animal husbandry department was also taking steps to procure seven portable ABC units.The move is welcome in view of the dog-bite menace, but ABC centres, much like waste treatment plants, face stiff resistance in the state, largely due to concerns over their poor upkeep. Till Sept, Keralam recorded 2.18 lakh dog-bite cases and 14 rabies deaths this year.Govt also plans to set up shelters for stray dogs at the local-body level in accordance with Supreme Court’s directions. A high-level committee has been constituted to monitor the construction of shelters, appointment of nodal officers, operation of helplines and feeding points, and coordination among enforcement squads.Govt has approved a standard operating procedure for the euthanasia of stray dogs that are incurably ill, fatally injured, confirmed or suspected to have rabies, or attack people without provocation. The procedure will be implemented through Stray Dog Management Committees headed by the chairpersons of the respective local bodies.Govt is also working on rules for licensing pet dogs and regulating breeding. A handbook containing guidelines and procedures for stray-dog management is being prepared for local bodies. Kerala Institute of Local Administration will conduct a workshop involving elected representatives and officials as part of the process. The minister said Stray Dog Management Committees had been formed in all local bodies.In Thrissur district, where two ABC centres are currently functioning, steps are being taken to implement the approved euthanasia procedure in eligible cases.
