Coimbatore corporation vaccinates 6,000 stray dogs

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has vaccinated around 6,000 stray dogs against rabies during a drive that began on April 17.

The vaccination drive, estimated at Rs 75 lakh, was launched in ward 66.

The drive, which has covered 10 wards in Central Zone so far, is now progressing in ward 46. It was expected to be completed in a month in the zone, targeting 11,017 dogs. But the timeframe has exceeded due to practical challenges in the field.

According to assistant corporation health officer (ACHO) Dr K Boopathy, the target is fixed at 400 dogs per day, of which nearly 300-350 are achievable. “At the initial stage, the team was able to cover only 150 dogs, which has gradually increased to 300.”

“There are a few challenges in the field, especially during the rains. In summer, the team captured the dogs either early morning or in the late evening. At times, dogs get sheltered elsewhere from their regular location. We can achieve the target based on the inputs from the public, councillors and other sources,” he said.

Two teams are working on this project, covering two areas of the same ward. Each team comprises a veterinarian, three dog catchers and a driver. The total stray dog population in the corporation is approximately 1,10,000, as figured from a 2023 survey. The corporation aims at covering the entire population in 10 months.

South Zone has the highest stray dog population of 31,499. The vaccination dive in South Zone is expected to be completed in three months. In East Zone, 24,404 dogs will be vaccinated in three months. In West and North zones, the drive will cover 22,085 and 22,069 dogs, respectively. The drive will be completed in two months in these zones.