AIADMK criticises Chennai Corporation's handling of stray dog vaccination drive

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is preparing to launch a comprehensive campaign to vaccinate and sterilise over 1.80 lakh stray dogs across all 200 city divisions after a five-year pause.
This initiative aims to curb the rising number of dog bite incidents, with official data showing 31,000 cases in 2023 and approximately 2,500 new cases reported monthly in 2024.
The planning phase is nearly complete, and payments for vaccines and essential drugs for the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes have been made.

However, the campaign has drawn criticism from the opposition AIADMK councillors, who raised concerns about the administration's handling of the drive during a recent council meeting.

"The administration's approach lacks transparency and efficiency," said an AIADMK representative, highlighting the need for better management to ensure the campaign's success.

The GCC's renewed focus on stray dog control reflects growing public health concerns, as the high incidence of dog bites poses risks of rabies and other infections.

The campaign's success depends on effective coordination and timely execution to protect both the animals and the city's residents.

This large-scale effort marks a significant step in addressing urban animal welfare and public safety in Chennai.

The AIADMK has criticised the Greater Chennai Corporation's management of its stray dog vaccination and sterilisation drive, aimed at covering over 1.80 lakh dogs citywide. The campaign follows a rise in dog bite cases, with 31,000 reported in 2023 and 2,500 new cases monthly this year.