Kerala Minister Calls for Scientific Approach to Tackle Stray Dog Crisis

Scientific, Humane Approach Vital to Address Stray Dog Issue: Minister Bindhu Krishna

A scientific and humane strategy is crucial to solving Kerala's stray dog menace and combating rabies, according to Bindhu Krishna, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development. Speaking at a State-level workshop on Friday, the Minister emphasised that emotional reactions alone cannot provide a sustainable solution.

Unified Efforts Through 'One Health' Approach

In her address at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Mannuthy, Minister Krishna highlighted the importance of the "One Health" approach. This integrated framework involves collaboration between the Animal Husbandry, Health, and Local Self-Governments departments to tackle the issue comprehensively.

The Minister revealed that the government is exploring the creation of a unified digital pet management system. This initiative aims to streamline processes such as registration, licensing, microchipping, vaccination, and sterilisation of pet dogs under the leadership of the Local Self-Governments department. Such measures are expected to complement ongoing efforts to manage stray dog populations and prevent rabies.

Targeting Rabies Elimination by 2030

Ms. Krishna underscored the importance of sustained animal birth control (ABC) programmes and mass anti-rabies vaccination drives. These efforts align with the national goal of eliminating human deaths due to rabies by 2030, a milestone the Minister believes Kerala can achieve with consistent implementation.

Decentralised Model for Local Management

Advocating for a decentralised approach, the Minister proposed a ward-level model where local bodies take charge of managing stray dog populations. She stressed the need to fully utilise government veterinary hospitals to support this initiative.

The workshop, jointly organised by KVASU, the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association, and the Kerala State Veterinary Council, featured technical sessions on successful stray dog management models, rabies prevention strategies, animal welfare laws, and experiences from local bodies. Organisers stated that recommendations from the workshop would be submitted to the State government for consideration.

This integrated, scientific approach reflects Kerala's commitment to addressing the stray dog issue while prioritising public health and animal welfare.

Source: The Hindu