9 lakh stray dogs on Kerala’s streets, reveals official data

Kottayam: The number of stray dogs roaming streets and public places across Kerala has touched nine lakh, according to estimates by the State Animal Husbandry Department. The department derived this figure from the last statewide animal census conducted in 2019–20, which identified around seven lakh stray dogs. A fresh survey to update these statistics is currently underway.

Meanwhile, government authorities said the state will procure anti-rabies vaccines worth ₹28 crore during the ongoing financial year. “Orders have been placed for intradermal rabies vaccine (IDRV) and immunoglobulin, each worth ₹14 crore,” an official said.

“Vaccines worth ₹7 crore each have already been distributed to hospitals. At present, government hospitals in the state are not facing any shortage,” the official added.

Victims of animal bites, including dog bites, are initially administered IDRV. In severe cases, where the bite is deep, immunoglobulin is given to prevent the rabies virus from reaching the brain. However, government hospitals in the state do not stock human rabies immunoglobulin, which is used for patients who develop allergic reactions.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also clarified that there is no shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in the country. The statement came soon after a recent Supreme Court directive asking authorities to ensure the availability of vaccines to control the stray dog menace. According to the Centre, both private and government hospitals across India currently have sufficient stocks of anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin.

Sterilisation data
Kerala has been implementing an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to manage the stray dog population. Between November 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, a total of 52,995 stray dogs were sterilised under the programme. The district-wise figures are as follows: