Stop Kerala's Proposed Stray Dog Euthanasia Policy. Strengthen Science-Backed Animal Birth Control (ABC) Instead.
Every community dog has a life that matters.
Across Kerala, thousands of community dogs peacefully coexist with the people who feed them, vaccinate them and care for them. They are part of our neighbourhoods and, like all living beings, deserve humane treatment and evidence-based policies that protect both human and animal welfare.

The Kerala Government's proposed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) permitting the euthanasia of community dogs risks shifting attention away from globally recognised, science-backed solutions for managing free-roaming dog populations and preventing rabies.

The World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) all support integrated approaches that prioritise mass dog vaccination, humane population management, stronger veterinary systems and community participation to protect both public health and animal welfare.

India already has a legal framework that reflects these principles through the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

When implemented effectively, Animal Birth Control programmes—through Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (CNVR) - reduce free-roaming dog populations over time, control rabies and promote safer coexistence between people and animals.

The problem is not the science. The problem is implementation.

Inadequate funding, limited veterinary infrastructure, inconsistent sterilisation and vaccination, and poor waste management continue to fuel uncontrolled breeding and human-dog conflict. Redirecting already limited public resources towards euthanasia and long-term sheltering instead of strengthening ABC programmes risks delaying the very interventions that are proven to work.

Scientific evidence also shows that removing free-roaming dogs without controlling reproduction does not provide a lasting solution. Unless breeding is prevented through sustained sterilisation and vaccination, populations recover over time while the root causes of conflict remain.

This is not a choice between protecting people and protecting dogs.

Communities deserve to be safe from rabies and dog bites. Community dogs deserve humane treatment. These goals are not mutually exclusive. A One Health approach, recognising the close connection between human, animal and environmental health—offers the most effective path forward.

We urge the Government of Kerala to:
 - Withdraw the proposed euthanasia SOP for community dogs.
 - Fully implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 through effective CNVR programmes.
 - Increase investment in sterilisation, anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary infrastructure.
- Improve waste management and promote responsible pet ownership to address the root causes of human-dog conflict.
- Work with veterinarians, public health experts and animal welfare organisations to implement humane, science-backed and sustainable solutions.
- Kerala has the opportunity to lead with compassion, science and good governance—not by expanding euthanasia, but by strengthening solutions that protect both people and animals.

Please sign this petition to urge the Government of Kerala to reject the proposed euthanasia policy and strengthen humane, evidence-based street dog management instead. Together, we can build safer communities while protecting the lives of the animals that share them.