Kodaikanal anti-rabies vaccination drive reaches 3,400 dogs in six days

Madurai: A total of 3,430 dogs were vaccinated against rabies in the six-day long mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign across the Kodai Hills. The drive was organised by The Kodaikanal Society for Protection and Care for Animals (KSPCA), in association with the Kodaikanal municipality, Dindigul district administration, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mission Rabies India and WVS Veterinary Task Force.

Besides, fifty-five dogs were sterilised under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme within Kodaikanal municipality limits. All sterilised dogs were implanted with microchips for identification and monitoring.

The vaccination teams have covered several Kodaikanal along with surrounding hamlets and settlements across the Kodai Hills area.

Janani Krishnamurthy, founder and managing trustee of KSPCA, said, “As awareness increases, more pet owners understand the importance of vaccinations and bring their pets. The district authorities have also been very helpful and cooperative with our team of around 60 volunteers.”

Regular vaccination and inspections have kept the number of rabies cases in dogs at a minimum. “We also investigate any incidents of biting or violence by animals to ensure that they do not carry infection, helping to maintain rabies cases close to zero for several years now,” Janani added.

While the vaccination drive officially concluded on Sunday, vaccinations will continue along with the ABC programme until June 5. The team aims to sterilise at least 110 to 120 dogs each day during this phase and bring the vaccination total to around 4,000, helping create a healthier and more sustainable dog population while reducing future conflicts and improving community health.