Is Chennai Corporation Opening 10 New ABC Centres to Tackle Stray Dog Issues?

Synopsis
Chennai's Greater Chennai Corporation is set to unveil ten new Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, significantly impacting the city's stray dog population. This initiative follows a directive from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to enhance measures against stray dogs, with a focus on sterilization and vaccination programs.
Key Takeaways
- Ten new ABC centres will open in Chennai.
- Each centre can manage 30 dogs daily.
- The initiative includes intensive rabies vaccinations.
- Plans to microchip two lakh dogs are underway.
- Over 1.08 lakh dogs have been vaccinated against rabies.
Chennai, May 15 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Corporation is preparing to launch ten new Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres aimed at managing the stray dog population in the city.
It's important to highlight that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged officials to step up measures for controlling the stray dog numbers in Chennai.
These facilities will be strategically located in Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, and Perungudi.
Each centre will be equipped to manage up to 30 dogs daily.
In addition, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is enhancing its Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination initiatives throughout the city.
As reported by the GCC, approximately 55 stray dogs are currently receiving treatment each day across five ABC centres.
The Pulianthope centre is capable of treating 30 dogs daily, while the Lloyd’s Colony and Kannammapettai centres together accommodate 15 dogs.
The remaining 10 dogs are treated at the Meenambakkam and Sholinganallur centres.
Starting in June, the civic authority plans to provide intensive rabies vaccinations and deworming treatments to around 1.80 lakh stray dogs, costing nearly Rs 3 crore.
An Indie dog census conducted in partnership with World Veterinary Services (WVS), the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, and local volunteers determined that Chennai is home to over 1.80 lakh stray dogs.
From 2021 until April 2025, the Corporation has successfully sterilized 66,285 stray dogs.
During the same timeframe, more than 1.08 lakh dogs—including 66,285 strays and 41,917 pets—have been vaccinated against rabies.
To strengthen field operations, 16 dog-catching vehicles are being equipped with nets and trained personnel.
The sterilization efforts are supported by 23 veterinary assistants, while four veterinarians supervise the ABC surgeries.
Additionally, a pilot project has been initiated to microchip two lakh dogs, including both strays and pets.
Details such as capture location, sterilization date, parasite treatment, and health data will be uploaded to the GCC’s website, enabling improved tracking and monitoring of dog populations and health records.
So far, the civic authority has officially licensed 9,883 pet dogs as part of its comprehensive plan to regulate and oversee the city's canine population.