Kerala: The alumni association of Pala St. Thomas College has come out with a unique way to put an end the stray dog menace in Kerala.

The association recently announced that it would distribute gold coins to the civic authorities that killed the maximum number of stray dogs. The office bearers of the old students welfare association said the gift would be given to the heads of the panchayat and municipal corporations across the State.

“We are planning to give it to panchayat presidents and municipal chairmen who kill the maximum number of stray dogs,” says James, the secretary of the association when contacted. The association would also provide air guns to those willing to come forward.

“Guns will be provided at 10 per cent discount and for those with a police case pending against them for confinement or killing of stray dogs will get a special discount of 25 percent. The official apathy has driven us to take such a step,” added James.

According to him the nexus between companies that supply anti rabies medicine and those at power is very evident.

“The anti-rabies and other related medicines is a thriving Rs. 8000 crore business in the country.”

Accusing the government of being inactive in the issue, James said the association was planning to end the crisis with people’s cooperation. “We are getting a good response from people ever since we announced the scheme. The stray dog issue has again come to the fore with the recent death of 90-year-old Raghavan, who was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs.”

Around 53,000 people have sought medical assistance for dog bites this year, according to a report brought out by the health department.