Civic Bodies in Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai Accelerate Dog Vaccination and Sterilization Efforts

Chennai, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: Civic bodies, particularly the Corporations and municipalities in Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai districts, have expedited mass vaccination and sterilization of community dogs to ensure the safety of residents, especially senior citizens and children. This initiative is part of a broader effort to manage the community dog population while addressing public health concerns associated with stray dogs. The importance of this initiative has been underscored by a recent incident involving a three-year-old boy, N. Rithvik, who was reportedly attacked by a group of community dogs while playing in front of his house in Vaniyambadi town, Tirupattur district. The incident, captured on CCTV, went viral on social media, leading to significant public outcry and heightened awareness regarding the need for effective animal control measures.

The rise in dog attacks, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, has prompted local authorities to take swift action. Community members, like K. Vanitha, have expressed their support for the vaccination and sterilization drives, emphasizing that these efforts will help to steadily reduce the number of community dogs in the area. This, in turn, will allow families to spend more time outdoors without the fear of aggressive dog encounters. The initiative is not only a response to a specific incident but also part of a long-term strategy to enhance public safety and promote coexistence between humans and animals in urban settings.

In collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, which is executing the work along with the Animal Welfare Board and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), major local bodies such as Vellore and Tiruvannamalai Corporations have been conducting mass vaccination and sterilization drives every Saturday for the past month. This coordinated effort reflects a growing recognition of the need for humane and effective strategies in managing stray dog populations. G. Anduvan, Joint Director (JD) In-charge of the Department of Animal Husbandry in Vellore, explained that as the deadline for vaccination against foot and mouth disease (FMD) for cows approaches, veterinarians are being enlisted to handle these two drives simultaneously, showcasing the integrated approach to animal health management.

According to recent data, there are a total of 45,829 community dogs in the Vellore district, with Vellore Corporation reporting the highest number at 27,102 dogs. Other areas, such as Pernambut town and Gudiyatham town, have 2,188 and 1,973 dogs, respectively. As of July 25, 15,641 dogs have been vaccinated, including 7,496 within the Vellore Corporation. This significant number of vaccinations reflects the commitment of local authorities to address the issue comprehensively. The vaccination drives not only aim to reduce the population of stray dogs but also to prevent the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases, which pose a risk to public health.

The neighboring temple town of Tiruvannamalai is also witnessing an increase in stray dog incidents, particularly due to the large number of devotees visiting the Arunachaleswar temple. The town attracts an average of 1.5 lakh visitors daily for worship, which has led to a higher concentration of stray dogs in the area. As a result, the Tiruvannamalai Corporation has taken proactive measures to address the situation. Out of a total of 5,175 dogs in the area, over 4,000 have been vaccinated as of July 25. Additionally, the civic body is constructing a full-fledged Animal Birth Control (ABC) center, the first of its kind in the town, at a cost of Rs 64 lakh. This center will facilitate the sterilization of community dogs, further contributing to the management of the dog population.

K. Balasubramanian, Commissioner of Tiruvannamalai Corporation, stated that community dogs near educational institutions and hospitals are prioritized for vaccination due to the movement of students and patients. This targeted approach is crucial in ensuring the safety of those most at risk of dog attacks. The new ABC center is expected to open soon, and its establishment is a significant step towards a more systematic and humane management of the stray dog population in the region.

In Ranipet, the situation is similarly pressing, with approximately 12,000 dogs identified in major towns like Sholinghur, Ranipet, Walajah, Arcot, Arakkonam, and Melvisharam. Among these towns, Ranipet has the highest number of community dogs, with 5,787 dogs recorded. The vaccination efforts in this district have also been successful, with over 60% of the dogs vaccinated. This achievement reflects the commitment of local authorities to protect public health while ensuring the welfare of stray animals.

The implications of these vaccination and sterilization drives extend beyond immediate public safety concerns. They represent a shift towards more humane and effective animal control measures, which can lead to long-term benefits for both the community and the animals involved. By reducing the stray dog population through sterilization and vaccination, local authorities aim to create a safer environment for residents while also addressing the welfare of the dogs themselves.

Moreover, these initiatives can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with stray animal populations. The collaboration between civic bodies, the Department of Animal Husbandry, and NGOs highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to animal control that prioritizes both public safety and animal welfare. As these efforts continue to unfold in Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai, they may inspire similar programs in other parts of the country, contributing to a more humane and effective approach to managing community dog populations.

In conclusion, the accelerated dog vaccination and sterilization efforts in Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai are vital steps towards ensuring the safety of residents while promoting the welfare of community dogs. These initiatives, driven by recent incidents and community concerns, reflect a growing awareness of the need for humane animal control measures. As local authorities continue to implement these strategies, the hope is that they will lead to a safer, healthier, and more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals in these districts.