As many as 2,147 dogs have been vaccinated and 45 dogs sterilised under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in Kodaikanal Municipality limits.

The mass anti-rabies vaccination drive is being conducted by Kodaikanal Society for Protection and Care for Animals (KSPCA), along with the municipality, Dindigul administration and officials of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Janani Krishnamurthy, founder and managing trustee of KSCPA, said that all sterilised dogs were being implanted with microchips to aid identification and monitoring for responsible dog population management. Volunteers, in collaboration with Mission Rabies India and WVS Veterinary Task Force, visited even far-flung settlements in the hills to raise awareness of vaccination of strays and pet dogs. Though the vaccination drive would onclude on Sunday, the animal birth control programme would continue in Kodaikanal until June 5. The campaign team aimed to sterilise at least 150 dogs during the phase.

It would help create a healthier and more sustainable dog population while reducing future conflicts and improving community health. The combined initiative would protect both human and animal populations from rabies and was a significant step to make Kodaikanal rabies-free.