Kerala Proposes Mandatory Dog Sterilisation, Microchipping to Tackle Stray Crisis

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is weighing a proposal to make sterilisation mandatory for all pet dogs, alongside compulsory microchipping, in a bid to address the state’s growing stray dog population.

Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchurani has instructed officials to explore legislative amendments that would support these measures. According to officials, most stray dogs originate from abandoned pets or unsterilised pet litters.

The proposed policy also includes mandatory licensing for dog breeding centres. The revised legislation is expected to introduce penalties for unlicensed breeding operations. Microchips, to be implanted in dogs’ ears, would carry traceable information about the animal and its owner, aimed at discouraging the abandonment of sick or injured dogs.

The drafting process will begin once legal consultations and departmental recommendations are finalised.

Mobile Sterilisation Units Cleared for Launch

To address infrastructure gaps in the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, the state will introduce mobile operation theatres equipped for on-site sterilisation. Each unit will also have temporary holding cages for post-operative recovery.

The Animal Welfare Board has approved the design, and the rollout is expected to begin shortly. Each mobile unit is projected to cost INR 25 lakh.