The Kerala High Court on Monday accepted the state government's proposal to form an interim committee by the court to address the growing issue of stray dog attacks in the state.

The bench, led by Justice C S Dias, was hearing the petitions related to the increasing incidents of dog bites and attacks across Kerala. The state has proposed the constitution of a committee comprising the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the district medical officer, and the joint director of LSGD to address the issue. While accepting the state's suggestion, the court also urged the government to consider enacting legislation to establish a permanent body to deal with the problem.

The court has also directed the government to file an affidavit detailing the number of stray dog attacks reported last year, along with the compensation paid to the victims. "We have to find a solution to the problem. Both humans and animals should co-exist," the court said. It proposed whether stray dog attacks can be brought within the ambit of the Disaster Management Act.

The court also noted that while guidelines on controlling the stray dog population have been issued repeatedly, the problem continues to grow. It urged the authorities to strictly implement sterilisation and vaccination programmes to manage the stray dog population effectively.

The court observed that the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) can be considered as the custodian of stray dogs and legal action can be initiated against them if the dogs attack humans. "If a human attacks an animal, it is an offence; similarly, when an animal attacks the human, the custodian is charged with an offence, and for the stray dogs, the LSGD can be considered as the custodian," it said.  

When the petitioners raised the issue of euthanasia as a possible solution, the High Court firmly stated, "Euthanasia is not a remedy. Euthanasia is allowed only when they are terminally ill."
(With inputs from LiveLaw)