Dogs on all four platforms

Aggressive stray dogs are now present on all four platforms at Kozhikode railway station, making the station unsafe especially for children and the elderly.

Packs target running children

Frequent traveller P.C. Shaju says aggressive dogs move in packs and are prone to target children who run or play, with nobody able to help during an attack.

“We are very much concerned about the safety of children here, as some dogs are prone to target those who run or play in the area.”

Years of complaints ignored

Passengers say the problem has persisted for years despite repeated complaints. There have been incidents of foreign tourists being attacked by stray dogs at the station.

Luggage damaged and soiled

Sales executive Abhijith Karatt says dogs target passengers' bags and luggage when they leave to buy snacks or tea, with frequent incidents of dogs urinating on items.

“Passengers' bags and other luggage are also targeted by some dogs when they move away from the spot to buy snacks or tea.”

Railways blame corporation

Railway sources say the Chief Health Officer has frequently written to Kozhikode Corporation authorities seeking action on safety grounds, but there is no regular monitoring beyond temporary measures.

Corporation blames railways

Corporation officials say the Animal Birth Control programme has helped control the problem to a great extent. They argue Railways should discourage food waste dumping and dog feeding.

No effective action taken

Despite the Kerala State Human Rights Commission intervening on several occasions and years of passenger complaints, neither authority has implemented regular monitoring or effective measures to address the issue.