The Kerala government has formulated an action plan to control the growing stray dog menace in the state.
In the latest order issued by the Local self-government department on Monday, the idea of a stray dog rehabilitation zoo has been proposed.
With the possibility of culling ferocious stray dogs not being mentioned, the order calls for a phased project to handle the crisis.
The death of a 65-year-old woman who was devoured by stray dogs in Thiruvananthapuram and subsequent instances of stray dog bites had again triggered a debate on dog culling.
Aswin J Kumar reports for The Times of India that a database of dog bites, presence of dog packs and vulnerable geographical areas will be identified in the first phase of the project.
According to the report, the order also states that 2-3 acres of land inside agricultural farms enclosed with fencing under every district panchayat will be maintained as stray dog rehabilitation zoo.
Trained dog catchers will be employed, and immunization camps will be held.
The order further calls for the formulation of a pet policy, that will make licensing mandatory for pet dog owners.