A poll debate in Kollam turned viral after stray dogs appeared near the podium, interrupting speeches. The ruling party talked about recent civic successes, but the crowd’s low chuckle showed the irony. Stray dogs remain a big, unresolved problem in Kollam. Many candidates and party workers have faced threats, especially at early mornings and late nights. A CPI worker said, “Reaching out to the voters became a difficult task at many areas and we had to carry sticks. Often the enthusiasm of the campaign was dampened by stray attacks.” The Opposition used the stray dog problem as a major poll point. They focused on rising dog bites, rabies deaths, and accidents. Their promise: a “comprehensive plan” to control the strays. They blamed the ruling party’s failure in two key areas — poor Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme and bad waste management. A BJP leader said, “The increasing number of canines within Kollam Corporation limits is a stark reminder of the inefficiency of the council. The crisis exposes the severe administrative failure.” The stray dog issue is worst in Kollam Corporation, with aggressive packs at railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, schools, and markets. Resident Shanthakumar said, “The stray dog problem is particularly acute these days, with aggressive packs taking over public spaces, especially at night. Kollam railway station has strays roaming every platform and they are present at bus stands, hospitals, school grounds and market areas. The issue is a complex one, requiring consistent execution of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, coupled with systematic and scientific waste management. But our pleas have gone unanswered and we are forced to accept Corporation’s failure as an unredeemable reality. We don’t think the new council will make any difference.”