Kannur Corporation to set up stray dog shelter
With stray dog attacks continuing to plague Kannur, the city Corporation has decided to establish a dedicated shelter for stray dogs, following a special council meeting held on Thursday to discuss the menace.
On Wednesday, 20 people were reportedly bitten by stray dogs near Thavakkara bus stand, Prabhat Junction, railway station, and the nearby plaza. In the last two days, nearly 80 people were bitten by stray dogs in the city.
Mayor Muslih Madathil announced that the land for the proposed shelter would be identified within the Corporation limits within a week. An all-party meeting would soon be held to finalise the location in consultation with all stakeholders, he said.
The Corporation is also considering implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme independently to manage the stray dog population. The only ABC centre in the district operates from Padiyur, serving all local bodies.
The Corporation secretary said that health inspectors had been directed to take up immediate sterilisation measures, and that around 100 cages and additional dog catchers would be required for the purpose.
The Mayor said legal measures were being reviewed to compensate victims of stray dog bites.
Meanwhile, Corporation councillors pointed out that food waste dumping in the Cantonment area was attracting stray dogs and that they would raise the issue with the Cantonment authorities.
Besides, mandatory licensing of pet dogs and a proposal to appoint a veterinary doctor in the Corporation will also be taken up with the government.
Deputy Mayor P. Indira, standing committees chairmen Suresh Babu Elayavoor, Shahina Moideen, and Shamima, and councillors N. Sukanya, T. Raveendran, V.K. Shyju, K. Pradeepan, S. Shaheedah, Chithira Sasidharan, T.O Mahanan, and K.M. Sabira were present at the meeting.
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