GCC to Launch Vaccination Drive for Stray and Pet Dogs in Chennai, Targets 2 Lakh Dogs

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will launch a large-scale dog vaccination drive in the second week of August, aiming to vaccinate two lakh stray dogs across Chennai this year. As part of the campaign, pet dogs will also receive free anti-rabies and anti-parasite vaccinations to help prevent rabies and improve animal health.

A senior GCC official said the annual vaccination campaign is being conducted to control the spread of rabies across the city. Last year, the Corporation vaccinated 1.47 lakh stray dogs out of an estimated 1.80 lakh stray dog population.

With the stray dog population expected to have increased, the civic body has set a higher target of vaccinating two lakh stray dogs in 2026. The GCC has also appealed to pet owners to bring their dogs to the free vaccination camps and take advantage of the initiative.

More Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centres to Become Operational

According to the GCC, 11 of the city`s 15 Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centres are currently operational. Two additional centres at Nandambakkam and Perungudi are ready to begin operations next week, while the remaining centres at Athipattu (Ambattur) and Sholinganallur are expected to be inaugurated by the fourth week of August.

Once all 15 ABC centres are fully functional, the Corporation`s animal birth control surgery capacity will increase from 200 to 400 surgeries per day, significantly strengthening Chennai`s stray dog population management programme.

Nearly 24,000 Sterilisation Surgeries Conducted in 2026

Since January 2026, the GCC has performed nearly 24,000 animal birth control surgeries on stray dogs. Monthly figures show a steady increase throughout the year:

- July: 5,324 surgeries
- June: 4,765 surgeries
- May: 3,637 surgeries
- April: 3,259 surgeries
- March: 3,058 surgeries
- February: 2,493 surgeries
- January: 1,490 surgeries

Animal Welfare Concerns Raised

Animal activist Leonel Praveen, a resident of Mylapore, alleged that some GCC dog-catching teams handle stray dogs in an inhumane manner and lack proper training.

He also expressed concerns about vaccine storage, claiming that cold-chain protocols were not properly maintained during last year`s vaccination campaign. According to him, some vaccinated dogs later went missing or died, and he urged the Corporation to work closely with local animal feeders and dog rescuers to improve the effectiveness of the programme.

GCC Rejects Allegations

Responding to the allegations, Chennai Corporation officials stated that vaccination vials are handled and stored according to prescribed safety standards. The GCC reiterated its commitment to animal welfare and encouraged both residents and pet owners to actively participate in the free vaccination d drive.