Residents Demand Immediate Action, Cite Hygiene and Noise Concerns
Protests intensified on Friday in Kunnathunad, near Kochi, as local residents gathered against the sheltering of a large number of stray dogs in a residential neighborhood. A group of locals, including several women, protested outside a rented house where approximately 42 dogs were reportedly kept, citing significant hygiene concerns and constant disturbances due to incessant barking.
According to locals, two women from Pathanamthitta rented the house about a month ago, subsequently converting the property into an animal shelter. The residents have demanded immediate relocation of the animals, emphasizing their persistent discomfort and disruption to daily life.
Authorities Respond to Escalating Complaints
Kunnathunad MLA P V Sreenijin accused local panchayat authorities of not granting a proper license to keep such a large number of dogs at the residential premises. Acting on repeated complaints from residents, officials including the Ernakulam Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), animal husbandry department, and health department conducted an inspection at the shelter.
Speaking to reporters, MLA Sreenijin said, “The Ernakulam RDO, along with officials from animal husbandry and health departments, inspected the premises following complaints from residents.” He further mentioned that the District Collector is expected to intervene after evaluating the report submitted by the RDO.
Protest Turns Tense, Police Called to Manage Situation
The residents, led by MLA Sreenijin, had previously staged a protest march to the house on Thursday. Tensions escalated when some protesters forcibly entered the shelter, breaking open a sheet-covered enclosure near the boundary wall. Police officers arrived soon after to bring the situation under control.
Highlighting the plight of the residents, MLA Sreenijin stated, "The sheer number of dogs in a confined space has made life difficult for those living nearby. Constant barking and hygiene concerns forced them to file a complaint."
Shelter Operator Refutes Allegations
Responding to the complaints, tenant Veena Janardhanan strongly dismissed allegations of disturbance and hygiene problems. She asserted that the dogs only bark in response to noises made by local residents outside the premises. Speaking to a television channel, Janardhanan claimed that the property owner had explicitly permitted her to house animals—even humorously mentioning permission to raise “even a tiger.”
Janardhanan further explained, "The Thrikkakara Municipality has handed over stray dogs to me for care, and many people abandon puppies here." She insisted that she would relocate the dogs only upon securing another suitable location for their care.
Residents Continue to Demand Swift Intervention
Despite the inspection conducted by the RDO and the submission of a comprehensive report to the District Collector, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of immediate action. Frustrated by delays, protesters have vowed to escalate their actions until the authorities relocate the animals away from the residential zone.
Local authorities are expected to take further action following the review of the inspection report, while tensions remain high in the area.
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