Kochi: The Chengamanad panchayat on Monday launched a campaign to make it the first stray dog free-panchayat in the state by killing over 25 strays dogs with the help of anti-stray movement led by social worker Jose Maveli. The police, however, intervened to stop the culling and arrested Mr Maveli. The police also registered cases against him and several others under various sections of the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals Act, Indian Penal Code and Kerala Police Act.
The ruling LDF and the opposition UDF and BJP members in the panchayat committee decided to launch a drive against the animals as the stray dog menace became unbearable with women and children finding it difficult to travel freely. Panchayat president P. R. Rajesh said that Chengamanad will be made the model panchayat with no stray dog. “The unique initiative has been launched with the whole-hearted support of all panchayat members and residents of the village,” he said. “We sought the support of Mr Maveli, the crusader of anti-stray dog movement, too.”
Mr Maveli brought in a group of dog-catchers from Varapuzha. “It is found that many of the culled dogs were rabid,” Mr Rajesh said. “All strays within the panchayat areas will be killed within a couple of days.” The panchayat authorities said they are aware of the consequences of their killing drive and are prepared for facing any legal action. The 18-member panchayat committee is headed by Mr Rajesh of the LDF and vice-president Asha Elias of the UDF. Nedumabssery circle inspector A.K. Viswanathan said the police exhumed and autopsied the buried animals.
