Stray dogs are often spotted on public roads near Nellikkode in Kozhikode, with residents demanding action from local authorities. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh
Despite skyrocketing street dog populations and dog bite incidents, little progress has been made in strict enforcement of licensing and vaccination standards. Animal welfare activists and rescuers say weak implementation and uncontrolled pet abandonment continue to worsen public safety and animal health concerns in both urban and rural areas.
A large number of pet parents, including those with aggressive or large breeds, still have to complete mandatory registration formalities or adhere to prescribed vaccination schedules. While rules mandating pet registration and microchipping are in place, enforcement remains spotty, with compliance largely limited to owners of rare breeds, campaigners warn.
Local administrators in urban and rural areas have been criticized for not acting decisively against pet abandonment. Rescuers say abandoned pets make up a significant portion of the street dog population. Without written petitions or control mechanisms, such incidents continue unchecked in large parts of the district, they allege.
Vets say the situation is further complicated by the poor health of abandoned dogs, many of which suffer from infections and skin diseases that pose a risk to both animals and humans. Without proper rehabilitation or treatment facilities for such dogs, this directly contributes to the increase in dog bite cases, they add.
Animal welfare campaigners say strict enforcement of microchipping and registration rules can deter pets from being abandoned. Using microchips, authorities can trace abandoned animals to their owners and initiate legal action. “A simple survey to identify the number of microchipped pet dogs can reveal the situation on the ground. Those who are reluctant to comply should be held accountable through strict enforcement,” says P. Vijith, a rescuer involved in the rehabilitation of abandoned dogs.
K. Sangeeth, another paramedic, also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation mechanism. She points out that abandoned dogs suffering from infectious diseases are a critical problem that is being ignored. “We need stricter measures to prevent the dumping of newborn puppies in isolated areas, which contributes significantly to the street dog problem,” he says.
A former veterinary department official notes that most local authorities lack a systematic approach to animal welfare. “Only local authorities, led by representatives familiar with the pet issue, have taken some commendable steps. Elsewhere, the response remains inadequate,” he notes.
Meanwhile, Department of Local Government officials have confirmed that recent court verdicts and court observations on the stray dog menace have been properly communicated to local authority leaders. They say stricter measures will be introduced soon as district-level meetings are held to formulate action plans and ensure proper compliance with pet licensing and vaccination norms.
Published – 18 Jan 2026 19:39 IST