Kochi Corporation Launches Major Stray Dog Shelter Project
Kochi Corporation is taking decisive action to address the city's stray dog population. The municipal body is preparing a comprehensive project to accommodate approximately 500 stray dogs at its animal birth control centre in Brahmapuram. This initiative comes in direct response to a Supreme Court directive that mandates local bodies to create proper facilities for housing stray animals.
Following Chennai's Shelter-Home Model
The corporation plans to adopt a shelter-home model similar to the successful approach implemented in Chennai. Officials have determined that at least five acres of land will be required for this ambitious project. According to their calculations, roughly one acre can comfortably house about 100 dogs.
An official from the corporation's health department provided specific details about the planned layout. "We intend to develop two main clusters that will each accommodate 100 dogs," the official explained. "Additionally, we will create two smaller clusters for 80 and 20 dogs respectively. A separate, specialized cluster will be established specifically for the most aggressive animals to ensure proper management and safety."
Strengthening Existing Facilities
Currently, Kochi Corporation operates an animal birth control centre at Brahmapuram with limited resources. The facility employs five dog catchers and one veterinary doctor. To support the expanded shelter project, the corporation is actively working to appoint an additional veterinary surgeon and an operation assistant.
T K Asharaf, chairman of the works standing committee and former health standing committee chairman, emphasized the corporation's commitment. "We are strengthening the ABC centre by significantly increasing the number of dog shelters," Asharaf stated clearly. "This expansion will allow us to provide better care and management for the stray dog population."
Addressing a Growing Population
A 2019 survey conducted for the corporation estimated Kochi's stray dog population at under 10,000 animals. While officials acknowledge that a fresh survey has not yet been conducted, they confirm that the number has risen noticeably since that initial assessment.
The Brahmapuram ABC centre has already made significant progress in managing the stray dog population. So far, approximately 8,200 stray dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated at the facility. This represents a substantial effort to control population growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
The new shelter project represents a major step forward in Kochi's approach to animal welfare and urban management. By creating dedicated housing clusters and expanding veterinary services, the corporation aims to implement a more humane and effective system for addressing the challenges posed by stray dogs in the city.
