KOCHI: Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Maneka Gandhi has severely criticised the Kerala government’s decision to kill stray dogs. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Friday, Ms Gandhi said killing of stray dog was not an effective solution for preventing the growth and spread of stray dogs. “Subjecting dogs to birth control is the most effective solution,” she said. The decision of the state government is in violation of orders of six high courts and the Supreme Court, the minister said.
Ms Gandhi alleged that the state had failed in utilising the amount the Centre had given it for implementing the animal birth control (ABC) programme. States like Haryana had successfully tackled the problem by implementing the ABC programme effectively, she added. The minister claimed that by opting for sterilisation, Delhi had brought down the number of stray dogs to 70,000 from 4,00,000. The Centre was ready to provide more funds for Kerala for the purpose, she added.
“An attempt has been on to demonise me instead of handling the issue in an effective manner,” she complained. The minister denied making a statement that the old woman, mauled by stray dogs at Pulluvila near Thiruvanathapuram , was carrying meat and that was the reason for the attack. “I have never made such a statement,” she said. The minister alluded that the dogs have became hostile in the state following constant violence unleashed against them.
The violence against dogs has made them scared and that is one reason for them attacking human beings including the old lady, she said. The minister came out against the decision of the state government after the National Animal Welfare Board also expressed a similar opinion. R.M. Kharb, chairman of the Board, had said the decision of the state government was illegal and a notice would be issued to the government.
