Land scarcity and public protests hindering establishment of dog shelters in Kerala government says
The Kerala government has stated that shortage of land and strong public protests are preventing the establishment of dog shelters across the state. The issue has emerged amid growing concern over stray dog attacks and mounting pressure on authorities to find long term solutions.
The Kerala government has said that efforts to set up dog shelters are being hampered by limited availability of land and opposition from local residents. The matter was highlighted while addressing concerns over the increasing stray dog population and incidents related to dog attacks.
According to the government, identifying suitable land parcels for dog shelters has become a major challenge, especially in densely populated areas. Even when land is identified, projects often face resistance from nearby residents who raise objections over safety, hygiene and environmental concerns. These protests have delayed or stalled several proposed facilities.
Officials said the state is aware of the seriousness of the stray dog issue and has been working on multiple approaches, including sterilisation, vaccination and awareness programmes. However, the absence of adequate shelter facilities makes it difficult to implement a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
The government noted that urban areas face more intense resistance due to space constraints, while rural regions also see objections linked to land use priorities. In many cases, local bodies struggle to balance public sentiment with the need to manage stray animal populations effectively.
Animal welfare groups have argued that shelters are essential not only for public safety but also for humane treatment of animals. They have urged authorities to engage more actively with communities to address fears and misinformation surrounding dog shelters.
The state government said it is exploring alternative options, including decentralised shelters and stronger coordination with local self governments. Officials added that dialogue with residents is necessary to reduce opposition and move forward with long term solutions.
As stray dog related concerns continue to dominate public discourse in Kerala, the government faces the challenge of addressing safety issues while navigating land scarcity and public resistance. The situation underscores the complexity of implementing animal welfare infrastructure in a state with high population density and limited land resources.
About the Author
