Two days after a 60-year-old woman was mauled to death by two Rottweiler dogs, the Kerala government under Pinarayi Vijayan is planning to bring in legislation to check and regulate the rearing of ferocious canine breeds as pet dogs.
The Chief Minister added that as of now the only penalty for owners when their pet dogs attack people is a fine. The CM was addressing the assembly.
Pinarayi said that the Wayanad district collector has provided temporary relief of Rs 5000 to the family of Rajamma who was mauled to death on Monday. The state cabinet will consider paying compensations of Rs 5 lakh to Rajamma’s family, he said.
Meanwhile, the CM also alleged that the owner of the two Rottweiler dogs - Karikkal Jose did not procure a licence from the local body and had flouted the procedures to be followed while keeping such ferocious canine breeds as pet dogs. Therefore, the police officials have added charges of homicide against the owner.
According to OnManorama, Jose was arrested on Wednesday and has been remanded to 14 days judicial custody. He had earlier surrendered to the police after he was booked for culpable homicide.
The dogs have been sent to Pookode Veterinary University for a detailed examination, the CM added.
Rajamma was attacked by the pet dogs while she was on her way to pick coffee in a plantation at Vythiri in Wayanad district. She was accompanied by a group of women workers to a worksite of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Rajamma had moved away from the crowd to pick beans when the dogs attacked her. Rajamma was residing in Ambedkar Colony at Charity village near Vythiri.