Chennai to Launch Massive Stray Dog Rabies Vaccination Drive from August

Chennai: Chennai will begin a citywide anti-rabies vaccination drive from August 7 as authorities step up efforts to control rabies and improve stray dog management across the city.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to vaccinate nearly one lakh stray and pet dogs during the 50-day campaign, which will initially begin in Manali, Madhavaram and Tondiarpet before expanding to all city zones.

The move comes after several dogs tested positive for rabies in different parts of Chennai this year, including Royapuram, Tiruvottiyur, Perungudi and Madhavaram. Officials say the campaign is aimed at strengthening rabies prevention in Chennai while also improving overall animal health.

According to GCC estimates, Chennai’s stray dog population has increased significantly in recent years, prompting the need for a larger vaccination and sterilisation effort. The city also continues to report thousands of dog-bite cases every year.

Apart from anti-rabies protection, the drive will include vaccines against diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Dogs will also receive treatment for ticks and parasites.

The Chennai Corporation dog vaccination programme is being carried out in partnership with Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS) and follows the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, which recommend the Capture-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) method for humane stray dog management.

Health experts and animal welfare advocates say mass vaccination and Chennai stray dog sterilisation are among the most effective long-term measures for reducing rabies risks and controlling the spread of disease.

The World Health Organization recommends vaccinating at least 70% of the dog population to help prevent rabies transmission. The GCC has also reminded residents that pet dog rabies vaccination is mandatory for registration and urged pet owners to keep annual vaccinations updated.