Kerala government permits local bodies to carry out euthanasia of diseased or dangerous stray dogs

The Kerala government has decided to allow local bodies to carry out euthanasia of diseased or dangerous stray dogs by making use of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules 2023.

Minister for Local Self Governments M.B. Rajesh and Minister for Animal Husbandry J. Chinchurani announced the decision at a press conference here on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) after a high-level meeting amid rising cases of stray dog bites and deaths due to rabies.

As per Section 8 of the Animal Husbandry Rules, the euthanasia of an animal can be carried out when the Union government or the State government finds any animal which is so diseased that it can spread the disease, in order to control such disease. A registered veterinary practitioner has to certify that the animal is mortally injured or so severely injured or in such a physical condition that it shall be cruel to keep it alive.

Mr. Rajesh said the State government had to depend on the Animal Husbandry Rules for allowing euthanasia of diseased stray dogs as the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules do not allow euthanasia.

“The State government will again request the Union government to amend the ABC rules as it slows down the progress of ABC activities. Another challenge is the opposition from the local population against opening ABC centres. The government will take action related to obstructing public servants in discharge of public functions against those who try to impede the functioning of ABC units,” he said.

Mobile ABC units

Eight mobile ABC units, purchased by the Animal Husbandry department, will be deployed immediately. The Local Self-Government department will also over the next two months deploy mobile ABC units in each of the 152 block panchayats in the State. Panchayats have been directed to identify ideal locations to park the mobile units. The mobile units are meant to overcome the local opposition while setting up permanent ABC centres in various localities. Vaccination of stray dogs will be carried out in August. Licensing and vaccination of pet dogs will done in September.