THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The massive drive to vaccinate stray dogs has begun in name only. The reason was that that the vaccination and training of the dog catchers has not been completed. Though, no stray dogs were vaccinated, the training and vaccination of dog catchers were conducted.

The animal protection department is responsible to give training to dog catchers registered with local bodies. On Tuesday, 804 persons were trained across the state. Currently, there are only 78 dog catchers. They must be vaccinated too. In a span of 21 days three dozes of vaccination must be administered to them. The Health Department has instructed that they must be deputed for duty only after getting vaccinated fully.

The officials who participated in the anti rabies drive under the animal protection department were vaccinated at the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital. Assistant Surgeon, Dr. Nithin, gave the awareness class to the officials.

There is an estimated 4 lakh dogs in the state. The animal protection department has decided to make the vaccination drive effective from 28th of this month. Only 21 stray dogs could be vaccinated through the local bodies from 1st to 19th of this month.

On the other hand, 1588 pet dogs were vaccinated through the local bodies.