Kerala Approves SOP for Euthanasia of Rabid, Incurably Ill Stray Dogs

The Kerala government has approved standard operating procedures (SOP) for the mercy killing of stray dogs that are rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous. The SOP, approved recently, follows a Supreme Court order issued in May this year that allows euthanasia in such cases under strict conditions.

According to the relevant portion of the Supreme Court judgment dated May 19, authorities may take legally permissible measures, including euthanasia, in areas where stray dog populations have reached alarming levels and dog bites or aggressive attacks pose a continuing threat to public safety. Such actions must be based on due assessment by qualified veterinary experts and must strictly comply with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and other applicable statutory protocols.

The SOP mandates the formation of a stray dog management committee in every local body. This committee will be responsible for deciding whether euthanasia is warranted in a particular case. The committee will be headed by the local body chairperson, with the secretary as convener. Other members include the ward councillor, the veterinary officer, the medical officer, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre project-in-charge officer, and a representative of the Animal Welfare Board.

Under the procedure norms, euthanasia must be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon. Only sodium pentobarbital or thiopental sodium should be administered intravenously. The use of other chemicals or methods that could cause pain is prohibited. Every local body must maintain a separate register to record each case of euthanasia, including details such as the area where the dog was captured, photographs, and the precise reasons for the decision.

Dogs caught for euthanasia must be kept in the local body's isolation kennels or an ABC centre for two to three days. During this period, approved agencies or animal lovers willing to take responsibility for the dog can claim it. Mercy killing must not be carried out in the presence of other dogs.

The SOP also cites the Supreme Court ruling regarding legal protection for officials carrying out euthanasia. According to the ruling, officials are entitled to protection for acts performed in good faith and in bona fide discharge of their official duties. No First Information Report, criminal complaint, or coercive proceedings should be initiated against such officials for actions taken in compliance with the court's order.

The State-level ABC Implementation and Monitoring Committee will audit the euthanasia of stray dogs in local bodies to ensure compliance with the SOP.