A fresh controversy has emerged over the management of stray dogs in Thiruvananthapuram, with animal welfare organization People For Animals (PFA) demanding greater transparency in the city’s shelter programme.
The organization has approached Kerala’s Local Self Government (LSG) Department, alleging that community dogs are being captured and moved to undisclosed shelter locations without adequate public information. PFA has also called for an official inquiry into whether the city’s stray dog management practices comply with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
Questions Raised Over Shelter Locations
According to PFA, community dogs are reportedly being picked up from public areas and transported during nighttime in outsourced vehicles to shelters whose locations have not been made public.
The organization says it has received complaints from residents who claim that sterilized and vaccinated community dogs have disappeared from their neighborhoods following the ongoing capture drive. Among the reported cases are dogs that were under medical treatment, including one blind dog and another requiring regular medication.
PFA has requested that authorities disclose the locations of the shelters, permit independent inspections, and confirm that the facilities and operations comply with existing animal welfare regulations.
Demand for Compliance with ABC Rules
The organization argues that the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 require sterilized and vaccinated community dogs to be returned to the same locations from which they were captured, except under specific circumstances permitted by law.
PFA has alleged that the current shelter programme lacks sufficient transparency and accountability. The group has also announced plans to pursue legal remedies while seeking intervention from the state government.
Corporation Rejects Allegations
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation officials have rejected the allegations, maintaining that the stray dog shelter programme is being carried out legally.
According to the civic body, all dogs shifted to shelters undergo sterilization, vaccination, and the required post-operative observation period before being relocated. Officials also stated that the animals remain safe and that complete details would be provided to the government or courts whenever officially required.
The Mayor further said that establishing shelters for stray dogs was part of the corporation’s public commitment and emphasized that the administration is implementing the programme in accordance with the law. He also urged animal welfare organizations to support shelter initiatives rather than only raising objections.
Transparency at the Center of the Debate
The issue has sparked wider discussions about balancing public safety with animal welfare.
Animal welfare experts note that transparency plays a crucial role in building public trust in stray dog management programmes. Providing clear information about shelter facilities, animal care standards, sterilization efforts, and rehabilitation can help address concerns from both residents and welfare organizations.
At the same time, local governments face the challenge of managing increasing stray dog populations while ensuring compliance with national animal welfare regulations.
At Pets News Network (PNN), we believe that effective stray dog management must be built on transparency, legal compliance, and humane treatment.
Published: July 2026
