Massive Stray Dog Population Spurs Action
Coimbatore’s municipal corporation is tackling a significant challenge: a 2022 census revealed the city is home to over 1.11 lakh stray dogs. This staggering figure has prompted urgent action under the global ‘Mission Rabies’ initiative.
What Is Mission Rabies?
Mission Rabies, a project by the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies worldwide through mass dog vaccinations, public education, and rabies surveillance. India has been part of this mission since 2013, with Goa leading the way in successful implementation.
“We aim to Cover All Stray Dogs”
City Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran emphasised their commitment:
“We used NGOs to conduct the census across all five municipal zones. With 1.11 lakh stray dogs, it’s a massive task, but we have already started at Race Course two months ago. Our aim is to cover all stray dogs through mass vaccination.”
Hotline for Rabies Reports
The corporation is also setting up a dedicated hotline for residents to report suspected rabies cases in stray or pet dogs. This will enable real-time mapping and quicker responses by dedicated teams.
Door-to-Door Pet Vaccination Next
Following the stray dog vaccination drive, the city plans to roll out door-to-door rabies vaccinations for pet dogs and cats:
“After completing mass vaccination of stray dogs in all five zones, we will vaccinate pet animals at home to fully control rabies,” said the Commissioner.
Expanding Sterilisation Efforts
To control the stray dog population in the long term, the corporation has sterilised 25,000 stray dogs since 2023 at four existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres in Ukkadam, Ondipudur, Seeranaickenpalayam, and Vellalore.
“We believe sterilization is key to reducing stray dog numbers. We plan to open three more ABC centers soon,” added Prabakaran.