
In a decisive move to support public health and animal welfare, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has officially launched its “Rabies-Free Thane” campaign. This ambitious initiative aims to vaccinate over 25,000 stray dogs across the city, setting a foundation to declare Thane a rabies-controlled zone by 2030.
The drive was formally inaugurated by Mayor Sharmila Pimplolkar at the TMC headquarters, following directives from state leadership to address the rising concerns over dog bite incidents.
The campaign stands out for its use of technology and visual identification. Under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Prasad Patil and Veterinary Officer Dr. Kshama Shirodkar, vaccinated dogs are being fitted with orange radium reflector collars.
These collars serve a dual purpose: They improve the visibility of stray dogs for motorists during the night, significantly reducing the risk of road accidents. They act as a visual marker for health officials to identify which dogs have already received their shots, preventing redundant vaccinations.
Central to the success of this drive is the Animal Feeder Registration effort. The TMC has recognized that local animal caretakers and feeders are the best resource for locating dog clusters.
A senior official from the TMC Dog Control Cell emphasized that community feeders serve as vital observers on the ground. By signing up through the municipal volunteer portal, these individuals enable the city's 50-member task force to streamline vaccination and Animal Birth Control (ABC) sterilization schedules. This partnership is designed to connect civic authorities with animal welfare advocates, ultimately promoting a more cooperative and peaceful environment within residential complexes.
The drive is being executed in phases across various municipal zones. In the initial phase, teams have already covered over 5,000 dogs in high-density areas. The TMC is partnering with prominent NGOs, including Mission Rabies, Thane CPCA, and Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), to ensure that the vaccination process adheres to international welfare standards.
Thane residents are encouraged to participate in the following ways:
Reporting: Use the TMC helpline (022-25475428) or the DigiThane app to report unvaccinated stray dog clusters in your locality.
Volunteering: Animal lovers can register as community caretakers to assist vaccination teams during their visits.
Support: Facilitate the teams when they enter your housing societies or neighborhoods for the drive.
With over 67,000 anti-rabies doses administered in district government hospitals over the last year alone, this proactive drive by the TMC is a timely intervention. By combining mass vaccination with community engagement, Thane is paving the way for a safer, healthier future for all its inhabitants.
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