Rabies vaccination project for stray dogs hit roadblock due to non-allocation of funds

Sunday 08 October, 2023 | 8:50 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The comprehensive rabies vaccination scheme for September failed due to non-allocation of funds by the local self-governing bodies. Not even five percent of stray dogs could be vaccinated. With this, the vaccination campaign conducted by the Animal Husbandry Department and local institutions has been extended till October 15.

The Animal Welfare Department had directed the implementing officers, veterinary doctors, to submit plans for the rabies vaccination campaign immediately. A nodal officer has been appointed in each district for effective implementation of the scheme.

Out of over 3.5 lakh stray dogs in the state, only 13,974 dogs have been vaccinated. Vaccination of stray dogs has not been started in 80 percent of the local bodies.

Vaccination is also incomplete in domestic dogs. Although there are more than 8 lakh pet dogs, only 92,449 dogs have been vaccinated. The reason is the non-cooperation of the owners.

Vaccination in September

District --- Vaccinated dogs (including street dogs)

Thiruvananthapuram -------------- 6257

Kollam ---------------------------- 12101

Pathanamthitta -------------------- 12876

Alappuzha -----------------------9146

Kottayam --------------------------- 3856

Idukki ----------------------------7028

Ernakulam -------------- 12495

Thrissur ----------------------9341

Palakkad ------------------------6731

Malappuram -----------------------------3859
Kozhikode -------------------- 3731