Land Shortage Stalls Kozhikode's Stray Dog Shelter Plan, Say Animal Groups

The Kozhikode Corporation's plan to establish shelters for stray dogs has received cautious support from animal welfare organisations, but they warn that finding suitable land remains the biggest obstacle.

The civic body recently invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from individuals and organisations willing to set up and operate shelters for street dogs, aiming for a long-term solution to the stray dog issue within the city limits.

Mayor O. Sadasivan convened a meeting of officials, public representatives, and animal welfare groups to discuss scientific and humane measures. The project will start on a pilot basis with several small shelters, each capable of housing at least 10 dogs. Proposals from outside the Corporation area are also welcome.

A three-member committee will identify aggressive stray dogs and relocate them to these shelters. NGOs have assured the Corporation they can manage feeding the dogs, with the Corporation providing support if needed. An official said, 'We believe this collaborative approach will make the project more practical and sustainable.'

The Mayor stated that a suitable site for a larger shelter to accommodate more animals in the future would also be identified. 'The Corporation is focusing on sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary measures. These initiatives aim to ensure public safety while safeguarding animal welfare, and will be implemented with public cooperation,' he said.

A recent survey by National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, estimated 28,510 street dogs within the Corporation limits.

Animal welfare representatives welcomed the initiative but stressed the land challenge. Sudina Anuraj Varma, a member of People For Animals, said, 'The biggest challenge is finding suitable land. Even if land is identified and a shelter is proposed, residents are likely to object. To a certain extent, their concerns are understandable. The success of the initiative will depend on identifying suitable sites.'

Ms. Varma added that relocating all stray dogs to shelters is neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, shelters should primarily hold abandoned pet dogs, especially aggressive animals, those with rabies symptoms, dogs with diseases like distemper, severely debilitated animals, and those injured in accidents.

The Corporation also decided to hold special ward-level camps to streamline licensing and microchipping of pet dogs.