Chennai, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in Tamil Nadu has issued a tender amounting to Rs 7.67 crore for the construction of two specialized shelters for rabies-affected and aggressive stray dogs located in Velachery and Madhavaram. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s management of stray dogs and improve public safety measures.

The proposed shelters are designed to accommodate a total of 500 dogs, with each facility housing 250 animals. They will serve as secure isolation units for dogs suspected of rabies, canine distemper, or those classified as dangerously aggressive.

This initiative comes in response to repeated calls from the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board for secure spaces to confine and monitor animals that may pose a health risk to the public. The GCC has pinpointed locations in both north Chennai (Madhavaram) and south Chennai (Velachery) to ensure quick access for animal control teams throughout the city.

Each shelter will feature specialized enclosures, quarantine areas, and essential medical facilities. Dogs exhibiting clinical signs of rabies—including hydrophobia, excessive salivation, repeated biting, and apparent injuries—will be captured and monitored closely.

While dogs suspected of rabies typically have a short survival time post-symptoms, these shelters will facilitate careful observation and controlled disposal of remains through burial or incineration to prevent environmental contamination.

This initiative signifies progress in balancing public safety with humane animal treatment. By establishing dedicated facilities for aggressive or infected animals, the GCC aims to mitigate the risk of rabies in densely populated areas while avoiding indiscriminate culling or unmonitored detention of strays.

Once the shelters are completed, GCC intends to entrust daily operations to a recognized non-governmental organization focused on animal welfare. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that the animals receive appropriate care and timely assistance.

These shelters are part of a broader strategy for managing stray dogs in the city, which includes sterilization efforts, vaccination initiatives, and campaigns to raise public awareness about responsible pet ownership.

The new infrastructure is expected to enhance Chennai’s responsiveness to reports of rabies or aggressive dogs while alleviating public concerns regarding stray attacks and disease risks. This project represents a long-term commitment to making Chennai safer for residents and animals alike, reducing uncontrolled street populations, and promoting structured, humane solutions.