The Hindu 03.09.2013
762 dogs vaccinated against rabies
At 6 a.m. on Monday, some parts of the city were buzzing
with an unusual activity. A team of veterinarians and trained dog
catchers was busy looking out for stray dogs to administer anti-rabies
vaccine as part of ‘Mission Rabies’ project.
The mass
campaign was launched in eight wards in Madurai Corporation with the
support of UK-based World Veterinary Service (WVS), which has deployed
its experts for monitoring the project.
The field
staff were jubilant as they could administer free anti-rabies
vaccination to 762 dogs on the first day of the campaign, which will
continue till September 13, covering all the 100 wards.
“This
is a pilot project taken up only in select places in the country. Our
focus is now on Madurai. This campaign has evoked very good public
response, and I could see it in the places I visited,” said
Dr.Appupillai Murugan, senior veterinary coordinator, Mission
Rabies–WVS.
Four teams were formed to vaccinate dogs
in four zones of the Corporation. Mr.Murugan said he had briefed the
District Collector and the Corporation Commissioner about the action
plan.
Authorities are planning to cover at least 8,000 stray dogs and pet dogs under this mission.
R.Nanthagopal,
Corporation Commissioner, inspected the vaccination drive in Santhi
Nagar, Koodal Nagar, Thiruppalai, Kannanenthal, Swami Sannathi,
Ismailpuram, Sourashtra School area, Madakulam and Palanganatham.
Officials
said steps had been taken to ensure that the dogs suffered no pain and
they were not subjected to cruelty, officials said.
Those
who want to complain about stray dogs and rabies vaccination can
contact sanitary inspector and Animal Birth Control Programme
Coordinator S.Murugan at mobile number 93446-05443.