Stray dog crisis in Kollam takes a political turn

In a viral poll-related reel from Kollam, the intense competitive rhetoric of a street corner debate is interrupted by the appearance of a couple of scruffy stray dogs near the podium. As the ruling party representative speaks passionately about the Corporation’s recent civic achievements, a telling low chuckle ripples through the crowd, highlighting the irony. While it was successfully weaponised as a major poll plank by the Opposition during campaigning, stray dog menace remains a critical unresolved issue in Kollam. Reportedly, many candidates and party workers faced the threat, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

“Reaching out to the voters became a difficult task at many areas and we had to carry sticks. Often the enthusiasm of the campaign was dampened by stray attacks,” said a CPI worker.

As the menace hit unmanageable levels, the Opposition successfully transformed it from a local grievance into a major poll plank. They highlighted increasing dog bite cases, rabies-related deaths, and road accidents to corner the incumbent administration. Central to their promises, and a staple for most candidates, was a “comprehensive plan” to control the strays. The Opposition’s campaign successfully projected the ruling coalition’s failure in two critical areas: effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme and proper waste management, both of which leads to stray dog population surge. “The increasing number of canines within Kollam Corporation limits is a stark reminder of the inefficiency of the council. The crisis exposes the severe administrative failure,” said a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.

While the issue plagues many semi-urban and rural parts of Kollam, its severity in Kollam Corporation has been consistently high.

“The stray dog problem is particularly acute these days, with aggressive packs taking over public spaces, especially at night. Kollam railway station has strays roaming every platform and they are present at bus stands, hospitals, school grounds and market areas. The issue is a complex one, requiring consistent execution of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, coupled with systematic and scientific waste management. But our pleas have gone unanswered and we are forced to accept Corporation’s failure as an unredeemable reality. We don’t think the new council will make any difference,” said Shanthakumar, a resident of Asramam.