Chennai’s stray dog population may touch one lakh next year

GCC begins stray dog census, drive to administer anti-rabies vaccine; 303 dogs vaccinated on first day. Teams of vets, dog catchers, assistants, and volunteers to vaccinate approx. 910 dogs daily; last census in 2018 showed 57,366 stray dogs; 30% surge expected this year.

Aiming to control the stray dog population after recent incidents of city residents complaining, the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Veterinary Public Health wing has begun a stray dog census and a drive to administer the anti-rabies vaccine.

The drive commenced on Monday, November 27, in Royapuram (Division 49 under Zone 5), with Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan along with City Health Officer M. Jagadeesan and Veterinary Officer J. Kamal Hussain, veterinary doctors and volunteers from the Madras Veterinary College. It is expected to continue for about 120 days and the GCC will also invite willing volunteers to join in the exercise.

On the first day, 303 dogs were administered the vaccine and parasiticide, GCC officials said. “More dogs are expected to be identified and vaccinated per day as drives are expected to begin from 8 a.m. and several volunteers associated with the Corporation will join from Tuesday, November 28,” an official said.

Each operational team is equipped with a veterinarian, four dog catchers, two assistants, a hired vehicle, and a driver. With a calculated capacity to vaccinate approximately 130 stray dogs per day, the seven teams aim to vaccinate around 910 stray dogs daily. The inoculation will include the administration of ivermectin against ecto and endoparasites

The last stray dog census was conducted in 2018, and the number was then 57,366. In 2019, the Corporation started vaccination under a special programme and when it was completed in March 2020, as many as 68,577 dogs received vaccinations.

The Corporation anticipates a 10% annual increase in the stray dog population, which will result in a 30% surge over three years, bringing the total number of stray dogs to roughly 93,000 this year. However, the actual number will be only determined after the census is completed.