Thiruvananthapuram:
In a significant step to check the menace of stray dogs in Kerala, the state government today directed civic bodies to take necessary steps to control violent dogs.
Law itself gives enough power to local bodies to take action in such a situation, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting here that discussed problems faced by people in parts of the state due to stray dog attacks.
"I am of the opinion that human life is more important," he said when asked about protests over taking stern steps to check the menace.
Mr Chandy said animal birth control, vaccination and providing treatment to dog bite victims were also part of programmes to tackle the issue.
Several cases of dog bites have been reported from different parts of the state in recent months. There was public demand even to kill the violent dogs.