With many instances of people being attacked by stray dogs reported from across Kerala, the state government has decided to form an immediate action plan. State Minister for Local Self-Government MB Rajesh told the media in Kannur on Sunday, September 11, that there will be a meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the issue on Monday. Minister MB Rajesh said that officials have been directed to set up Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centres in 152 blocks in the state. He also said that a solution will be found with the cooperation of the public soon.
"The government has already taken some steps to deal with the street dog menace. It was decided to set up ABC Centres in 152 blocks. Thirty centers have already been set up. Measures including compulsory licensing will be taken in case of pet dogs,” MB Rajesh said. Earlier on September 5, a 12-year-old girl passed away weeks after she was bitten by a dog, despite having taken three doses of the anti-rabies vaccine. In September alone, around 30 instances of people being bitten by street dogs were reported across Kerala.
As per state government reports, 21 people in Kerala have died of rabies in 2022 so far. Among them, five victims had taken the anti-rabies vaccine as directed by the government. There has been heavy criticism lately over anti-rabies vaccines turning ineffective in Kerala. On September 6, state Health Minister Veena George asked Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to test the quality of the anti-rabies vaccine available in the state.
“It's the central drugs laboratory (CDL) which ensures the quality of the vaccines and gives certificates. Five persons who died recently due to dog bites were administered the vaccine which has the certificate of the central drugs laboratory. They died despite taking the vaccine, and this has created concern among the public," Minister Veena George said.
The Supreme Court of India on September 9 orally observed that those who feed stray dogs should allowed to, but suggested they can take initiative and vaccinate them, and perhaps bear costs of treatment if a person is attacked. The apex court was considering appeals from the Animal Welfare Board of India and other parties against a 2015 Kerala High Court judgment permitting the culling of stray dogs. The Supreme Court also said that a balance has to be maintained between people’s safety and animal rights while dealing with the issue of stray dog attacks.