Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a city-wide mass vaccination campaign to create a rabies-free Pune, following directives from the Central Government. The 15-day initiative, which started today, aims to vaccinate stray, free-roaming, and pet dogs against rabies.

The campaign is being conducted in collaboration with Universal Animal Welfare Society and Canine Control Care and will run from September 28 to 29 in selected areas, including Hadapsar, Koregaon Park, Kothrud, and Wagholi.

This vaccination drive is part of the PMC’s broader efforts to address the rising number of stray dogs in the city and prevent rabies transmission.

Over the years, Pune has seen a significant increase in stray dog populations, especially in the newly merged areas, leading to frequent dog bite incidents.

Stray dogs have become a common sight in suburban areas, often chasing vehicles and causing accidents, which has led to a surge in complaints from residents.

To combat this issue, the PMC carries out preventive measures, including vaccinating 50,000 to 60,000 stray dogs annually. These vaccinations are crucial in reducing the risk of rabies transmission in case of dog bites.

Between April and July 2024, the PMC’s health department sterilized 18,824 stray and free-roaming dogs and vaccinated 3,145 dogs against rabies.

Dr. Sarika Phunde, Chief Veterinary Officer of PMC, shared that in the fiscal year 2023-24, a total of 64,730 stray dogs were vaccinated against rabies, highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to controlling the rabies threat.

As part of the current campaign, the PMC will continue to focus on areas with high stray dog populations, ensuring that both preventive vaccinations and public safety are prioritized.