A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court reserved its verdict on a batch of writ petitions seeking a directive to control the menace of stray dogs in the State.
The Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A.M. Shafique reserved its verdict after conclusion of arguments. According to the petitioners, stray dog attacks were reported every day and the people were in a state of fear. The victims of the attack were mainly school children and women.
Meanwhile, the Kochi Corporation in an affidavit said that a multi-speciality veterinary hospital constructed at Brahmapuram as part of ABCD–ARV (Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Vaccination) programme had started functioning from May 28.The hospital had been equipped with ultra modern technologies, surgical facilities, spacious rooms and kennels. The hospital had four doctors and four animal handlers trained at the Ooty-based International Training Centre (Worldwide Veterinary Services). The ABCD-ARV is aimed at reducing the density of stray dog population. The programme involves capture, neutering and release of stray dogs based on a standard operating procedure for animal birth control programmes outlined by the Animal Welfare Board.