Kerala govt to seek private aid to perk up ABC programme

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the increasing stray dog menace, the government will rope in private agencies in carrying out animal-birth-control (ABC) programme in the state. The government will also give compensation to the family of Joseclin of Pulluvila, who was mauled to death by stray dogs in the wee hours of Monday.

Replying to a submission on the Pulluvila incident in the Assembly on Monday, Local Self- Government Minister K.T. Jaleel said that at present Kudumbasree was carrying out ABC programme.  To make it more effective, private agencies would also be empanelled for it. He said that sterilisation was the only way to deal with the stray dog menace.

Terming the death of Joseclin as unfortunate, the minister said that the government would give due compensation to the family.

In his submission,  Kovalam MLA M. Vincent said that the stray dog attack at Pulluvila had recurred as the government failed to take ineffective steps following a similar incident last year.

“An aged woman, Siluvamma, was mauled to death by stray dogs at Pulluvila in August 2016.  The attack on Josklin happened hardly 100 metres from that spot. Though the government had announced steps to contain the stray dog menace,  nothing was done.  The provision to kill stray dogs that pose a threat to human life was not being invoked,” he said.