The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched a comprehensive vaccination drive for the city’s stray dog population, marking a critical step in curbing rabies risks and improving public safety. Beginning on November 14, the campaign introduces a visible identification system in which vaccinated dogs will wear coloured belts, allowing authorities to track immunisation coverage efficiently.
Stray dog incidents in Thane have surged in recent years, with reports highlighting attacks on pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and other residents. Children and senior citizens remain disproportionately affected, creating urgent need for coordinated public health measures. Health officials emphasise that systematic vaccination, combined with effective identification, is key to reducing human exposure to rabies while controlling the animal population responsibly. TMC estimates that the city hosts approximately 50,000 to 60,000 stray dogs, with 250–300 puppies born each month due to the animals’ high fertility. This rapid growth necessitates a structured, ongoing intervention to manage the population and prevent potential disease outbreaks. The new coloured belt system will help field teams avoid duplicating vaccinations and provide a clear visual cue for the community to identify immunised dogs.
The Municipal Health Department will oversee the campaign, supported by teams of trained field staff tasked with vaccinating and monitoring animals across Thane. According to a senior official, the programme forms part of a broader public safety strategy, integrating vaccination with awareness campaigns to educate citizens on interacting safely with stray animals. These measures align with national objectives to eliminate rabies and promote humane population control, complementing India’s National Rabies Control Programme. Further measures are scheduled for January 15, when TMC will implement a 15-day pulse vaccination drive aiming to cover 25,000 to 28,000 dogs. Approximately 100 personnel will be deployed across the city to accelerate coverage, ensuring that both central and peripheral areas receive timely interventions. Officials emphasise the need for community participation, encouraging citizens, animal welfare groups, and volunteers to assist with tracking and facilitating the vaccination process.
Experts suggest that these interventions not only enhance public health outcomes but also improve the city’s overall livability. By combining vaccination, population monitoring, and community engagement, Thane Municipal Corporation is creating a replicable model for sustainable urban animal management. The initiative demonstrates how municipal planning, public health policy, and civic responsibility can converge to address long-standing challenges effectively, reducing both human risk and strain on local healthcare infrastructure.
Thane Municipal Corporation Rolls Out Stray Dog Vaccination Program With Colour Coded IDs
