Nagpur Targets 20,000 Dogs in Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive

Nagpur Municipal Corporation has launched a citywide vaccination campaign to immunize around 20,000 stray and community dogs against rabies by September 28. The initiative comes as part of World Rabies Day efforts, aiming to reduce the spread of the fatal disease among animals and humans. With growing concerns over stray dog bites and rabies cases in urban areas, the campaign signals a proactive step towards better public health management.

The drive is being carried out across all 10 zones of the city, with veterinary teams deployed to cover different localities systematically. Teams are equipped to capture, vaccinate, and release the dogs, ensuring minimum stress to the animals while maximizing coverage. The goal is not only to control rabies but also to build a safer coexistence between residents and stray animals.

Officials have highlighted that public cooperation is key to success. Local residents are being encouraged to inform the civic teams about stray dog concentrations in their neighborhoods, making it easier to reach more animals within the short time frame.

Rabies remains a major concern in many Indian cities, with thousands of human deaths reported annually across the country. For Tier 2 cities like Nagpur, where rapid urbanization often increases human–animal conflicts, such vaccination campaigns provide a practical solution that safeguards both public health and animal welfare.

By taking up this initiative, Nagpur sets an example for other cities managing similar challenges. If implemented effectively, the campaign could significantly reduce rabies risks and help build a more balanced approach to urban stray management.

The vaccination drive is a reminder that protecting public health goes hand in hand with caring for animal life. As Nagpur pushes towards its 20,000-dog target, the outcome could pave the way for more organized and humane methods of addressing rabies across India.