Chennai Launches Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign for Stray Dogs

Chennai, August 11: The Greater Chennai Corporation will initiate a large-scale anti-rabies vaccination and deworming campaign for street dogs starting Tuesday. The goal is to vaccinate 200,000 animals within 75 days to make Chennai rabies-free. Veterinary teams will capture dogs in designated areas to administer the vaccines.

In addition to vaccinations, the animals will receive medication for internal and external parasites. After treatment, they will be marked with paint for identification and released back to their original locations. The corporation has deployed 30 teams, aiming to vaccinate approximately 3,000 street dogs daily. The campaign will initially focus on Zones 1, 2, and 4, gradually expanding to all zones under the Greater Chennai Corporation.

Officials stated that the operation will be conducted systematically to cover as many street dogs as possible, thereby reducing the risk of rabies transmission. Last year, a similar large-scale vaccination program was executed, during which 147,545 stray dogs within the corporation’s limits received anti-rabies vaccines and deworming treatments. Building on last year’s success, the corporation has set an ambitious target for this year.

As part of this year’s campaign, free anti-rabies vaccinations will also be available for pet dogs and cats. Pet owners are encouraged to take advantage of this service to ensure their animals are protected from this deadly viral disease.

This campaign is being conducted in collaboration with veterinarians and trainees from the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and Worldwide Veterinary Service. Their involvement is expected to strengthen the corporation’s vaccination teams and help complete the program on schedule.

The civic administration emphasized that this initiative is a crucial part of their larger goal to create a “rabies-free Chennai” through extensive vaccination, deworming, and public awareness. The Greater Chennai Corporation has appealed to residents, pet owners, and animal welfare activists to support the veterinary teams during the campaign. Officials highlighted that continuous vaccination and public participation are essential to control rabies and ensure the safety of both people and animals in Chennai.