Kochouseph Chittilappally in for long haul against strays

Kochi: Kochouseph Chittilappally is a determined soul. And the task he has taken upon himself is too important for a Keralite to miss: end the rule of stray dogs on the state’s streets and roads.

“On an average, strays bite 100 people across the state,” the industrialist-philanthropist told DC on Tuesday.

“Most of them go unreported, too. My 24-hour protest fast beginning on Sunday morning marks a warning to the authorities from the local bodies to the Centre. Unless they take action, a mass movement will be unleashed.”

He said he shall launch the next stage of protest after consulting the people and non-governmental organisations which have offered him support.

The government action slapping a case against him “for cruelties against animals” does not deter him.

“This is one of the most important issues that threaten peaceful existence of the common people now,” he said. I am driven by a conviction that the life of the citizen including women and children is far more important than dogs on the streets.”

Mr Chittilappally said he suspected there was a racket working to ensure that strays are not banished or caged. “Government hospitals offer free anti-rabies vaccines of poor quality,” he said.

“People are forced to get the vaccine for Rs 28,000 for a course from private hospitals. And India is the biggest market for this vaccine.”

He said though panchayat rules stipulate caging of street dogs, but none was acting. “The situation worsened since Maneka Gandhi stepped on to the scene to protect street dogs 10 years ago. The number of street dogs increased exponentially after that,” he said.

He said as part of the campaign, he would try and expose the animal lovers who do not care for human life.