Scientific, Sustainable Approach Essential for Stray Dog Population Management: KVASU State-Level Workshop

Mannuthy, July 17: A scientific and sustainable approach, supported by coordinated action among government departments, local self-government institutions and other stakeholders, is essential for effective stray dog population management and rabies prevention in Kerala, a State-level multi-stakeholder workshop concluded.
The workshop on "Sustainable Stray Dog Population Management and Rabies Prevention in Kerala" was jointly organised by the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association and the Kerala State Veterinary Council at the VKIDFT Auditorium, KVASU, Mannuthy.
The workshop was inaugurated by Smt. Bindu Krishna, Hon'ble Minister for Labour, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Women & Child Development, and Pro-Chancellor of KVASU. Shri Anil Akkara, President, Kerala Grama Panchayat Association, presided over the inaugural session. Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Anil, Vice-Chancellor, KVASU, delivered the introductory address, while Prof. (Dr.) Sabin George, Registrar, KVASU, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Niji Justin, Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, delivered the keynote address. Felicitations were offered by Dr. Divya S. Iyer, IAS, Principal Director, Local Self Government Department; Dr. Meenakshi V., Director, Health Department; Dr. Sindhu K., Director, Animal Husbandry Department; Dr. Binu Prashanth K. R., President, Kerala State Veterinary Council; Prof. (Dr.) C. Latha, Director of Academics and Research, KVASU; and Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Rajeev, Director of Entrepreneurship, KVASU. The vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Ahammed Punnakkal, General Secretary, Kerala Grama Panchayat Association.
The technical session was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) B. Sunil, and inaugurated by Shri O. J. Janish, Hon'ble Minister for Youth Affairs. Experts presented papers on the challenges of stray dog population management, rabies prevention, practical aspects of animal welfare legislation, the effectiveness of Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes, and responsible pet ownership. Successful models implemented by the Kozhikode Corporation and various voluntary organisations were also presented.
During the deliberations, participants formulated recommendations for strengthening sustainable stray dog population management and rabies prevention in the State. The organisers stated that these recommendations would be submitted to support State-level policy formulation.
The valedictory session was inaugurated by Shri K. M. Shaji, Hon'ble Minister for Local Self Government. Smt. Mary Thomas, President, Thrissur District Panchayat, delivered the keynote address, while Shri A. Prasad, Deputy Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, offered felicitations. The session was presided over by Shri Anil Akkara, President, Kerala Grama Panchayat Association. The workshop recommendations were presented by Prof. (Dr.) Sabin George, Registrar, KVASU. The workshop was attended by representatives from various government departments, local self-government institutions, experts from the animal husbandry and public health sectors, animal welfare organisations and veterinary professionals.