Kerala to cull dangerous stray dogs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 

The Kerala government has decided to invoke legal provisions to kill dangerous stray dogs in view of the alarming rise in attacks. The government will make use of Section 133 (f) of CrPC which empowers district magistrates to issue orders to “destroy, confine or dispose of dangerous animal”.

A high-level meeting attended by LSG Minister M B Rajesh and Animal Welfare Minister J Chinchurani also decided to cull terminally ill or mortally wounded strays. Mr. Rajesh said people who have complaints related to strays can approach the district magistrates, who can give orders under the Section to address the issue. He said the district magistrates can take appropriate action on the plaints. However, Rajesh said the government will take strict action against people who kill dogs by violating the law.

The government decision comes close on the heels of a tragic incident in which stray dogs mauled an 11-year-old boy to death in Kannur on June 11. Several stray attacks were also reported in the subsequent days.  The government move, however, has not gone down well with animal lovers who claim that no Section can supersede the existing ABC rules.