Thiruvananthapuram Corporation seeks clarity on culling of ‘dangerous’ strays

THIRUVANANAs per current rules, local bodies are bound to carry out only ABC programmeTHAPURAM: After the office of the Union minister of women and child development and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi, the Thiruvananthapuram corporation has sought a clarification on law secretary’s advice to kill dangerous and aggressive dogs.

The corporation wrote a letter to the state government on Monday following media reports of allowing the killing of dogs dangerous to human life.

The corporation’s veterinary surgeon A.S. Bijulal told DC that the civic body was currently following the latest circular which strictly prohibits killing of dogs.

“As per current rules, local bodies are bound to carry out only ABC programme. Euthanasia is allowed only for dogs having rabies or incurable ailments or severely wounded. We cannot follow this new recommendation unless the government issues an order superseding existing circulars,” said Mr Bijulal.

The letter clearly states that the recommendation to bring amendment in the ABC rules is still under the consideration of the Supreme Court and the killing is clear violation of its rulings.

The recommendation from the law secretary to kill dangerous dogs has irked animal lovers across the state.