Thiruvananthapuram: The city corporation is set to legally challenge a stop memo issued by Kuttichal grama panchayat against a private stray dog shelter housing dogs brought from the state capital, escalating the dispute over the civic body’s controversial dog management programme. The panchayat issued the stop memo after an inspection found that a large number of stray dogs were being housed at the facility without its permission. The operator has been directed to relocate the animals within seven days. The corporation, however, is preparing to pursue legal remedies against the notice, maintaining that the dogs cannot simply be released elsewhere without ensuring their safety. The shelter, which reportedly houses between 125 and 200 dogs, has triggered protests and complaints from locals, who allege that the facility is operating without the required licence. Residents have also raised concerns over the condition of the animals, sanitation and the alleged release of dogs into nearby areas. According to complaints submitted to People for Animals (PFA), a dog released from the facility was subsequently found to have rabies. Residents have also alleged that dogs released from the shelter attacked deer in the adjoining forest area. The allegations emerged during inquiries into complaints submitted to the animal welfare organisation. Kuttichal panchayat president Radha Jayan said the facility was established without the local body’s knowledge or permission. She alleged that the operator had initially obtained clearances for a pet-breeding and bird-rearing facility but subsequently began accommodating stray dogs. The panchayat has decided to approach the court if the animals are not relocated within the stipulated period. It will also write to the forest department regarding the alleged attacks on deer. Meanwhile, Dr Sreerag Jayan, chief veterinary surgeon with the corporation, said the civic body would pursue legal remedies against the stop memo. “The dogs cannot be abandoned or released indiscriminately, and their welfare must be ensured while addressing the concerns raised by the panchayat,” he said. The controversy comes amid scrutiny of the corporation’s practice of capturing stray dogs from public spaces and relocating them to shelters outside city limits. PFA has questioned the legality of the programme and raised concerns over the welfare of animals kept in confinement. The corporation maintains that managing the stray dog population requires appropriate shelter facilities and that the animals cannot simply be released into unfamiliar locations. In addition to Kuttichal, the corporation has a stray dog shelter at Poovar too.
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