Sunday Blog: Chennai’s Animal Welfare Updates – March 2025

Chennai is making commendable progress in animal welfare, with major initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of street animals. From large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs to microchipping initiatives, the city is taking a structured approach to managing its stray population.

Scaling Up Animal Birth Control Initiatives

The Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) is launching a training program for 500 veterinarians to conduct ABC programs in municipalities and town panchayats that lack qualified vets. This move will help address the long-standing challenges of manpower shortages and limited infrastructure for sterilization and immunization efforts.

Additionally, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has approved the establishment of five new ABC centers in Zones 2, 3, 7, 11, and 14. Each center will perform around 500 sterilizations per month, aiming for a total of 30,000 surgeries annually. This initiative is crucial, considering Chennai’s estimated 180,157 stray dogs, of which only 27% have been sterilized.

To further boost ABC efforts, new centers in Ariyalur (Ward 17) and Perungudi (Ward 184) have been planned, with land already identified. Meanwhile, existing centers in Pulianthope, Lloyd’s Colony, and Kannammapet are set to increase their daily surgeries from September.

Managing Chennai’s Street Dogs: A Call for Better Implementation

Despite these ABC efforts, animal welfare activists have raised concerns about the improper return of sterilized dogs to their original locations and misconduct by dog catchers. In response, the GCC plans to modernize ABC centers under the Singara Chennai 2.0 project and ensure humane handling of stray dogs.

To improve monitoring and efficiency, GCC has also announced plans to conduct a dog census and install GPS trackers in dog-catching vehicles. These measures aim to create a more accountable and transparent street dog management system.

Microchipping Initiative for Pets and Cattle

A significant step toward better pet regulation and stray management is Chennai’s new microchipping initiative. In January 2025, GCC approved a plan to implant microchips in dogs and cattle, aligning the city’s animal welfare standards with global best practices.

Each microchip will store key details, including:

✔ Animal’s name, breed, color, gender, and age

✔ Vaccination history

✔ Unique ID number assigned by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

This initiative will help in regulating pet ownership, ensuring responsible animal care, and reducing the number of unidentified stray animals.

Join Us at the 16th Animal SAYS Adoption Drive – March 16, 2025!

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide loving homes for stray animals, Animal SAYS is hosting its 16th Adoption Drive on March 16, 2025, at Edward Elliot’s Beach, Chennai.

🐶🐱 What to Expect?

✔ Rescued puppies, kittens, and adult dogs/cats looking for a forever home

✔ Vaccinated, dewormed, and health-checked animals

✔ On-site adoption counseling and expert guidance

✔ Meet fellow animal lovers and responsible pet parents

We invite all Chennai residents to join us in giving these animals a second chance at life. Whether you’re looking to adopt or simply want to support the cause, your presence can make a difference!

Final Thoughts

With Chennai taking significant steps in animal welfare, sterilization, and responsible pet ownership, it’s an exciting time for the city’s animal lovers. However, consistent implementation, humane treatment, and community involvement remain crucial for these policies to succeed.

Let’s work together to create a safer, more compassionate environment for Chennai’s animals. See you at the Adoption Drive on March 16th!