20,000 dogs to be vaccinated

 

 

 

Nagpur’s civic authorities, in partnership with Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS), and the international charity Mission Rabies, launched a month-long anti-rabies vaccination campaign on Monday with the stated aim of inoculating some 20,000 dogs by September 28. The drive, billed locally as ‘Mission Rabies’ will deploy veterinary teams, dog-catching squads and community volunteers across the city’s ten zones. Officials said, around 20 animal-welfare feeders have registered their pet and community dogs to receive free vaccinations under the programme, a move designed to raise coverage in neighbourhoods where community feeding is common.

 

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (SWM) and Veterinary Department in-charge Dr Gajendra Mahalle underlined the administrative intent. “This move aims to monitor anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs. Failure to register may lead to imposition of fines on owners,” he said, emphasising registration as a pillar of the campaign. The campaign comes as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) responds to a worrying rise in dog-bite incidents. Recent civic figures disclosed more than 1,500 reported bite cases in the first seven months of 2025, prompting the NMC to introduce measures such as permanent anti-rabies centres at urban health posts, expansion of sterilisation work, and formal registration of dog feeders.

 

Mission Rabies stresses that mass-vaccination coupled with education is the proven route to elimination: the organisation aims for a 70% vaccination rate in rabies hotspots to establish herd immunity and prevent human deaths. Residents are being urged to cooperate, register pet dogs online, allow access to teams where required, and report bite incidents promptly so post-exposure prophylaxis can be provided. If successful, the campaign could mark a major step towards a rabies-free Nagpur; if not, public health chiefs warn, human and animal lives will remain at risk.