Humans Should Be Given Priority Over Stray Dogs: Kerala High Court

The instructions of Kerala High Court are based on the petition filed by neighbours of Rajeev Krishnan, a native of Kannur, alleging that stray dogs are kept under unhygienic conditions in his house.

The Kerala High Court opined that preference should be given to human life over the welfare of stray dogs. The HC instructed the State to discuss with the Centre and develop guidelines, schemes, or licensing rules to empower individuals interested in maintaining stray dogs so that dog lovers could protect the stray animal. 

According to ANI, Kerala High Court said, "Humans should be given priority over stray dogs. If animal lovers come forward to rescue stray dogs, local bodies should issue licenses as per the rules."

The High Court also said that dog lovers should also be aware that the nuisance of stray dogs is increasing day by day.

Justice PV Kunjikrishnan instructed the government to discuss with the central government and prepare a guideline or scheme if necessary. The instructions of the High Court are based on the petition filed by neighbours of Rajeev Krishnan, a native of Kannur, alleging that stray dogs are kept under unhygienic conditions in his house.

In a submission to the court last year, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights raised alarm over the substantial number of dog bite incidents across Kerala, with a significant proportion involving children. The data provided by the commission said 5,794 incidents were recorded in 2019 followed by 3,951 in 2020. Later, with 7,927 cases in 2021, it escalated to 11,776 in 2022, and by June 19, 2023, the year had already seen 6,276 reported cases of stray dog attacks, according to a report on Manorama.