{
  "id": 3220712,
  "title": "Keralam’s SOP for euthanasia of rabid, dangerous stray dogs | Explained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/keralams-sop-for-euthanasia-of-rabid-dangerous-stray-dogs-explained",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T07:57:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/keralam-approves-sop-for-euthanasia-of-rabid-dangerous-stray-dogs/article71387536.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 22, 2026, the Keralam government approved standard operating procedures (SOP) for euthanizing rabid, incurably ill, or dangerous stray dogs, following a Supreme Court ruling in May 2026. The State government had previously permitted local bodies to euthanize diseased or dangerous stray dogs in July 2025 due to a surge in rabies cases and stray dog bites. However, the Kerala High Court initially deferred the implementation of the euthanasia order. In 2025, Keralam recorded 3.69 lakh dog bites, compared to 3.17 lakh the previous year, with 33 people dying from rabies, up from 26 in 2024. Despite the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in most local bodies, the sterilization of stray dogs hasn't kept up with their growing population. To address this, the new SOP relies on the Supreme Court's order, allowing euthanasia in cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs. A stray dog management committee will decide on euthanasia cases, composed of the local body chairperson, secretary, ward councillor, veterinary officer, medical officer, ABC center project-in-charge officer, and an Animal Welfare Board representative. The euthanasia procedure must be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon, using sodium pentobarbital or thiopental sodium intravenously. All euthanasia cases should be recorded in a separate register, noting details like the dog's origin, photos, and reasons for euthanasia. Captured dogs for euthanasia must be kept in isolation kennels or an ABC center for two to three days before the procedure. The euthanasia should not occur in the presence of other dogs. The SOP also ensures legal protection for officials performing the procedure in good faith, preventing any criminal proceedings against them.",
  "summary": "Standard operating procedure follows Supreme Court order permitting euthanasia of rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs, with safeguards for the process",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}