Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched a major anti-rabies vaccination and deworming campaign targeting 2 lakh stray dogs across the city, as part of efforts to make Chennai rabies-free.
The first phase has begun in the Tiruvottiyur, Manali and Tondiarpet zones, with trained teams catching stray dogs, vaccinating them and releasing them at the same locations.
30 teams deployed across three zones
Under the programme, trained dog-catching personnel will use nets to safely catch stray dogs. Veterinary doctors will administer anti-rabies vaccines and medication for internal and external parasites.
The vaccinated dogs will be marked with vegetable dye before being released back where they were found. The drive will cover dogs living on streets as well as those around schools, hospitals, railway stations and other public places.
The Corporation has deployed 30 teams, with each team expected to vaccinate around 100 dogs every day. Together, the teams are expected to vaccinate approximately 3,000 dogs daily during the first phase.
Campaign to cover all city zones
The vaccination programme will run for 14 days in Tiruvottiyur, nine days in Manali and 14 days in Tondiarpet before being extended to other parts of Chennai.
The GCC aims to complete vaccination of around 2 lakh stray dogs within 75 working days, making it one of the city’s largest coordinated anti-rabies campaigns.
Free vaccination available for pets
The vaccination camps are also open to pet owners. Dogs and cats can receive free anti-rabies vaccination at the designated camps.
The campaign is expected to strengthen rabies prevention while promoting responsible animal care and public safety across the city.