Idukki  :

Efforts to set up South India’s maiden crematorium for dogs and similar animals are gaining steam.

According to reports from High Range Kennel Club, which is behind the project, there has been no crematorium in South India for such animals while North Indian states like Gujarat and Delhi already have.

Dr Babu K Nalakathu, secretary of the club, told ‘Express’ they are looking for a suitable site in Kochi to set up the first plant. Efforts will then be made to start one each at Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.

The plant is estimated to cost `15 lakh, and raising the fund wouldn’t be a problem, said Babu, adding that such a project would make a new beginning in treating animals with honour once they are dead. Developed countries have very strict regulations in disposing of dogs after their death.

In Kochi and its suburbs, an estimated 50 dogs die each day, and almost all of them are disposed of in an unceremonious manner, he said. In most cases, they are being given a watery adieu, flinging them to rivers and other water bodies, which are used by people for drinking purposes. The responsibility of removing the carcass of dogs, cats and the like falls on local bodies, who change hands to certain agents. These agents dispose them of in rivers in the dead of the night, he said. It is a grave problem which the government has not taken any interest so far.

For every pet dog there are eight stray dogs in the state as per the figures by the SPC. While the pet dogs get a decent departure, the stray dogs are treated roughly, which is a trend to be stopped. The public should join hands to begin a new culture of giving respect to the animals. A number of associations already are willing to cooperate to make the dream come true.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by P.B. Jayasankar / December 25th, 2014