Starting January 29, the Thane Municipal Corporation, with support from NGOs, will vaccinate 10,000 stray dogs against rabies over seven days. The drive comes in response to complaints about dog bites and aims to protect residents from rabies risks. Last year, a similar campaign vaccinated 7,409 stray dogs successfully.
THANE: A special week-long drive to vaccinate 10,000 stray dogs against rabies will kick off in Thane and its suburbs on Wednesday, January 29. Organized by the municipal corporation in partnership with NGOs, this initiative aims to tackle rabies risks, officials announced.
According to the plan, 25 teams—each consisting of a doctor and three workers—will be sent to specific areas across the city where residents or dog feeders have reported dog bites or attacks, explained Dr. Kshama Shirdokar, a veterinarian with the Thane Municipal Corporation. Officials also noted that daily incidents of dog bites are not tracked by the corporation.
The teams will vaccinate stray dogs in these areas to reduce the risk of dog bites to people, according to officials. A similar drive last year successfully vaccinated 7,409 stray dogs.
Residents of Hiranandani Estate in Thane have reached out to the state Child Welfare Commission to address frequent stray dog attacks in their area. They highlighted concerns about children and elders being targeted, which has left kids hesitant to play in nearby parks or even walk to school.