Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (PTI) Keralam Local Self Government Minister K M Shaji on Thursday said the state government will soon introduce a protocol to tackle the stray dog menace, with clear guidelines on euthanasia, adoption, dog shelters and the ABC programme.
Shaji told reporters that two more government orders are to be issued before the protocol is finalised.
“Once the orders for these two policies are issued, we will declare it. It will come without much delay,” he said.
The minister said that directions issued by the Kerala High Court have provided relief by helping the government clarify the responsibilities of local bodies in addressing the stray dog issue.
“We will provide the exact details of these schemes very clearly. What is euthanasia, what is adoption, what is the responsibility of the panchayats, how should dog shelters be set up, and what is the Animal Birth Control (ABC) project — all these will be clearly explained,” he said.
Shaji said the government has prepared the project to address the stray dog problem within a year, provided panchayats, municipalities, corporations, and the government made a sincere effort.
Asked about reports of differences between two IAS officers in the LSGD over sanitation projects, Shaji denied there was any dispute.
“There is no fight inside our office. No kind of fight at all. But there is competition — good, healthy competition,” he said.
The minister said several agencies are involved in sanitation and waste management, with officers heading each, and that it was natural for their projects to be included when a larger government initiative is announced.
He said the issue was not a lack of cooperation but the inclusion of too many components in the project.
The minister said the sanitation initiative should be viewed not only as a challenge for government officers but also for the people of Keralam. PTI TBA TBA ROH
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