Kerala Official Suspended After Sharing Footage of Deer Killed by Stray Dogs at New Zoological Park

The recent incident at Kerala's Puthur Zoological Park has sparked controversy after multiple deer fatalities occurred due to stray dog attacks.

In Thrissur, approximately one week following the tragic deaths of at least 10 deer caused by stray dogs at the newly opened Puthur Zoological Park, the Kerala Forest Department has suspended an official. The suspension came after the official allegedly shared footage of the deceased animals with media outlets.

Notably, while this disciplinary action was taken swiftly, no measures have been implemented regarding the security failures that resulted in the deer fatalities.

Deputy Range Officer K Muhammed Shamim received a suspension notice after Chief Forest Conservator R Adalarasan initiated proceedings against him based on the Assistant Forest Conservator's report. The report claimed that Shamim shared images with media organizations, made suspicious phone calls, and brought disrepute to the zoological park.

Previously, the facility experienced deaths of various animals, including birds and a leopard cub, during transfer operations. Despite these earlier incidents, no disciplinary actions were taken against any officials at that time.

However, once footage showing the dead deer became public, authorities quickly investigated the source of the leaked video, resulting in the suspension.

Regarding the security breaches that allowed stray dogs to enter the park premises, officials have stated that decisions will only be made after receiving the report from the minister-appointed investigation team.

Forest Minister AK Sassendran and Thrissur MLA K Rajan, who stated the park was constructed at a cost of Rs 370 crores, have not yet provided any clarification about the incident.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shaji K Kodankandam has alleged in a press statement that park officials secretly buried the deer remains, violating the Wildlife Protection Act by not following mandatory legal procedures. He has also questioned why no accountability has been established for the security failures that led to these deaths.

Kodankandam further claimed that when he filed an RTI inquiry asking whether a security audit was conducted before the park's opening, he received "not applicable" as a response.

The Puthur Zoological Park was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on October 28. The facility is designed to house 534 animals representing 80 different species in 23 open, naturalistic enclosures. Animals from the existing Thrissur Zoo are being transferred in phases to this new campus.