Vellayani campus pioneers scientific dog welfare project

Thiruvananthapuram: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, 23 community dogs were sterilised at the College of Agriculture Vellayani in Thiruvananthapuram as part of a campus-based animal birth control and welfare programme. The project, supported by 22 student volunteers from various departments, is being seen as a model for humane and sustainable dog population management. The programme was implemented by CAWA (Compassion for Animals Welfare Association) in collaboration with Kerala Agricultural University, with funding through the CSR initiative of Indian Immunologicals Limited, a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board.Surgical procedures were led by Dr Rony Ray John, retired deputy director, directorate of animal husbandry. She said the initiative aims to foster empathy and responsible coexistence with community dogs within academic spaces and that such programmes could serve as replicable models supporting the global 'Zero by 2030' goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths.A dog population survey conducted by the team estimated between 37 and 40 stray dogs on the campus, with sterilisation coverage initially at just 34%. The programme brought that figure up to between 70% and 80%, significantly improving safety and sustainability on campus. "Being part of this programme helped us understand that caring for animals is also a social responsibility," said Archana Anilkumar, a third-year BSc Agriculture student. "After the project's successful completion, CAWA aims to implement campus sterilisation programmes institution-wise across other parts of Kerala," said Rahul Bansal, president of CAWA.The project covered sterilisation, anti-rabies vaccination, post-operative care and awareness campaigns. A four-room facility inside the campus was converted into a temporary sterilisation centre, housing an operation theatre, staff accommodation and kennels. Dogs were captured using hand-catching, nets and specially designed traps. All received anti-rabies vaccination and medication, and were closely monitored during recovery before being released to their original locations with ear-notching identification marks.Student volunteers played a central role throughout — identifying dogs, assisting with capture and transportation, providing post-operative care and running awareness campaigns. They also spent time feeding and comforting the animals to reduce stress and build positive human-animal interaction.