Pune Steps Up: PMC Launches Major Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive

Image Source: Pune Pulse

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has kicked off a large-scale anti-rabies vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on stray and community dogs across the city. This move comes as part of a broader effort to make Pune—and eventually India—rabies-free by 2030.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who’s Involved: The campaign is being run by PMC officials with help from the Universal Animal Welfare Society. They’re working together to reach every corner of the city.

Big Goals: The aim is to vaccinate more than 1 lakh stray dogs over the next year. To do this, ten teams are out every day, each covering about 350 dogs.

Why Now: Pune’s stray dog population is estimated at around 1.8 lakh. While that’s less than a few years ago, it’s still a big number, and rabies remains a real concern.

Free Shots: All vaccinations are free, and the teams are targeting both stray and pet dogs in certain areas.

Community Support: Local animal lovers, volunteers, and NGOs are pitching in. Their help is crucial for reaching dogs that might otherwise be missed.

Raising Awareness: Alongside the vaccinations, PMC is also spreading the word about rabies prevention and what to do if someone is bitten.

Looking Ahead: This campaign is just one part of a bigger plan to eliminate rabies. The PMC is asking residents to support the teams and let them know about any unvaccinated strays.

If you see a vaccination team in your area, give them a hand or let them know about dogs that need their attention.

Source: Hindustan Times