2th june 2023, Mumbai: In a tragic incident that occurred in Kannur, Kerala, an 11-year-old mute boy was brutally mauled to death by stray dogs, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about the government’s response to the long-standing issue. The opposition leader, V.D. Satheesan, accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his government of mere rhetoric and a lack of action in addressing the grave problem.
Satheesan pointed out that the opposition had been consistently raising the issue, but it had been disregarded by the government. He held the Vijayan administration accountable for the death of Nihal Naushad, emphasising that similar incidents had occurred in the same area in the past. The opposition leader further criticised the government’s failure to effectively tackle waste and garbage, which serve as resting places for stray dogs, leading to an increase in their population.
According to Satheesan, the sterilisation program aimed at controlling stray dog numbers had been halted for three years, rendering the much-lauded ABC (Animal Birth Control) program ineffective. He condemned the government’s lack of coordination between departments, which had contributed to the prevailing situation. The opposition leader highlighted the growing fear among residents, preventing them from venturing outside their homes.
Meanwhile, the body of the 11-year-old victim, bearing numerous bite injuries, has been sent for autopsy. The devastated family awaits the arrival of the boy’s father, who is currently working in the Middle East.
The tragic incident has reignited the debate surrounding the government’s responsibility to address the stray dog issue promptly. The opposition’s scathing remarks underscore the urgent need for concrete action to prevent further loss of innocent lives. The government’s response and future measures to tackle this persistent problem remain crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Kerala.