Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) north district president K.K. Vinod Kumar has said that the party will launch a strong protest against what he described as “criminal negligence” on the part of the Kannur Corporation and the district panchayat in addressing the worsening stray dog menace in the city.
Mr. Vinod Kumar said fear had gripped the city, especially among children, many of whom were now avoiding school. “People are afraid of walking on the streets. Hospital visitors, schoolchildren, and city residents are being attacked. Hiring of autorickshaws has increased out of fear, putting financial strain on common people,” he said.
“The Mayor claims it is not the Corporation’s responsibility, and the district panchayat president washes her hands of the issue, blaming the Corporation. Both have failed the people. They should at least read the Panchayat Raj Act to understand their roles,” he added.
Alleging poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, Mr. Vinod Kumar said that it was being operated with just a four-member team despite thousands of stray dogs in the district. “The system must be expanded, and local bodies should act immediately to catch and shelter stray dogs,” he said.
He also pointed to poor waste management by the Corporation as a contributing factor to the rising stray dog population.
As part of the agitation, the BJP will organise a march to the Corporation office June 24, he said.
Published – June 20, 2025 01:44 am IST