Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s dog shelters face opposition from nearby panchayats
Kuttichal panchayat comes out against a private dog shelter in which around 200 dogs from the Corporation are being housed
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation's initiative to relocate stray dogs caught within the city to shelters outside the city is encountering resistance from neighboring panchayats. In February, the Karumkulam gram panchayat raised objections to a dog shelter being set up in its jurisdiction, deeming it illegal as it operates without the panchayat's approval.
Now, the Kuttichal panchayat has taken a similar stance against another private dog shelter housing approximately 200 dogs from the Corporation. The Kuttichal panchayat has issued a stop memo, citing concerns over the living conditions and alleging ill-treatment of the stray dogs. The shelter, formerly a poultry farm, is managed by an individual with only a breeder's license and lacks a panchayat license.
The current situation is troubling, with over 1,300 dogs captured by the Corporation in three months, yet only 301 dogs are accounted for across the Corporation's two animal birth control centers and the Kuttichal shelter. The fate of the remaining dogs is uncertain. Despite multiple objections from opposition councillors during council meetings, the Corporation's Mayor has failed to provide a clear response.
As of now, no decision has been made on the fate of the dog shelters, with inspections continuing weekly and food being provided. However, some dogs in the shelters are reportedly weak due to their diseased condition.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
