Tamil Nadu Launches Major Stray Dog Control Drive with 138 Centres

The Tamil Nadu Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has greenlit the appointment of 76 district-level animal welfare officers to spearhead an ambitious sterilisation and immunisation drive targeting the state’s stray dog population. The initiative, set for completion by early December, includes 38 dedicated officers and 38 veterinary surgeons specialized in animal birth control (ABC) surgeries, all on one-year contracts with potential extensions.

These officers will oversee humane regulation of events like jallikattu, prosecute animal cruelty cases, and lead public awareness campaigns on rabies prevention, sterilisation, and responsible pet ownership. The Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) is simultaneously rolling out a mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign in collaboration with corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats across non-Chennai regions.

To bolster infrastructure, the department plans 38 fully equipped ABC centres—each with shelter for up to 100 dogs—plus 100 additional non-shelter facilities focused solely on surgeries and vaccinations. Supporting staff recruitment is underway to ensure seamless operations, including post-operative care and medical treatment.

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In a high-tech leap, TNAWB has begun procuring 2.4 lakh RFID microchips to tag sterilised strays, enabling tracking and population control. “This integrated approach combines surgical precision, vaccination coverage, and digital monitoring to deliver a sustainable, cruelty-free solution,” a senior official stated, signaling Tamil Nadu’s boldest stride yet in urban animal welfare.

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