Finding land biggest challenge for Kozhikode Corporation’s stray dog shelter project
| Photo Credit: K. RAGESH
Animal welfare organisations have welcomed the Kozhikode Corporation’s decision to invite expressions of interest (EOIs) from individuals and organisations willing to establish and operate shelters for street dogs as part of its efforts to find a lasting solution to the stray dog menace within the city limits. However, they cautioned that identifying suitable land for the shelters would be the biggest challenge.The decision was taken at a meeting of officials, public representatives and members of animal welfare organisations convened by Mayor O. Sadasivan recently. The meeting discussed a series of scientific and humane measures to address the issue.Officials said the project would initially be implemented on a pilot basis by establishing several small shelters at different locations, each capable of accommodating at least 10 street dogs. Individuals and organisations from outside the Corporation limits would also be eligible to submit proposals.A three-member committee will be constituted to identify aggressive stray dogs and facilitate their relocation to the shelters.“NGOs have assured the Corporation that they can take care of feeding the dogs shifted to these shelters. If required, the Corporation will also extend the necessary support. We believe this collaborative approach will make the project more practical and sustainable,” an official said.In a statement, Mr. Sadasivan said the meeting had also decided to identify a suitable site for a larger shelter capable of accommodating more animals in the future.“The Corporation is focussing on developing sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary measures to address the stray dog menace. The initiatives seek to ensure public safety while safeguarding animal welfare and will be implemented with public cooperation,” he said.A recent survey by National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, estimated that there are 28,510 street dogs within the Corporation limits.Representatives of animal welfare organisations said they supported the civic body’s initiative but stressed that finding appropriate locations remained the biggest hurdle.“I attended the meeting. It witnessed fruitful discussions, and we welcome the decisions taken. Everyone is willing to establish and operate shelters for stray dogs. However, the biggest challenge is finding suitable land. Even if land is identified and a shelter is proposed, residents are likely to object. To a certain extent, their concerns are understandable. The success of the initiative will depend on identifying suitable sites,” said Sudina Anuraj Varma, a member of People For Animals.Ms. Varma said relocating all stray dogs within the Corporation limits to shelters was neither feasible nor desirable. “Instead, the shelters should primarily accommodate abandoned pet dogs, particularly aggressive animals, those showing symptoms of rabies, dogs suffering from diseases such as distemper, severely debilitated animals, and dogs injured in accidents,” she added.The Corporation also decided to organise special ward-level camps to streamline the licensing and microchipping of pet dogs. Published - July 27, 2026 01:16 am IST
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