Wed May 21 13:57:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The BJP in Thiruvananthapuram is planning to campaign on the issue of stray dog menace in the upcoming local body elections. They criticize the current LDF-controlled Corporation for failing to adequately address the public health and safety risks posed by stray dogs, including dog bites and rabies deaths. The BJP questions the efficacy of rabies vaccines and plans a protest. The article mentions that the city reports a high number of dog bite cases, and recent rabies deaths have heightened public concern. The Corporation claims to have implemented Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs and vaccinations, resulting in a decrease in the stray dog population, but the BJP alleges these measures are insufficient.
**News Article:**
**BJP to Focus on Stray Dog Menace in Thiruvananthapuram Ahead of Local Elections**
*Thiruvananthapuram, May 21, 2025* – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to make the ongoing issue of stray dogs a central theme in their campaign for the upcoming local body elections in Thiruvananthapuram. The BJP alleges the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has failed to effectively control the stray dog population, posing a significant threat to public health and safety.
BJP district president Karamana Jayan stated that the safety of school children, particularly with the reopening of schools in June, is a primary concern. He criticized the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s current stray dog control measures as “failed” and accused the LDF-controlled local body of apathy towards citizen safety. The party plans to stage a protest in front of the Corporation office on May 23rd, demanding immediate action.
Mr. Jayan also raised questions about the effectiveness of the anti-rabies vaccines currently stocked in government hospitals, fueled by recent rabies deaths in the state.
Thiruvananthapuram currently leads Kerala in reported dog bite incidents, with 15,718 cases reported until April 30, out of a total of 100,504 statewide. Recent rabies fatalities, including children, have intensified public anxiety.
The Corporation maintains that it is actively addressing the issue. They report operating two refurbished Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers equipped with modern facilities, including kennels and waste disposal systems. The city body also claims to have launched a ₹30-lakh vaccination scheme for stray dogs and has increased the number of veterinarians and dog catchers involved in the ABC project.
According to the Corporation, these measures have led to a decline in the stray dog population, from 10,230 in 2016-17 to 8,654 in 2023-24. They also claim that 1,194 sterilization surgeries were performed in 2024-25, with 6,103 dogs vaccinated. The Corporation also stated that it has accorded administrative sanction to build a new ABC centre at an estimated cost of ₹2.75 crores. However, the BJP asserts that these efforts are inadequate and a more comprehensive approach is needed to protect the residents of Thiruvananthapuram from the dangers posed by stray dogs. The effectiveness of the anti-rabies vaccines also needs to be addressed as several patients that received the vaccine have contracted rabies.
First Piper 