In a bid to prevent rabies and control animal bite cases in the city, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will start mass immunisation of stray dogs and pet dogs in August.As many as 1.47 lakh animals, including stray dogs and pets, were immunised as part of the anti rabies vaccination drive last year. This year the number is expected to increase to 1.7 lakh dogs. Residents have been asked to get their pets immunised when Chennai Corporation workers visit the neighbourhoods for mass immunisation of stray dogs.According to data compiled in various hospitals in the city, the number of dog bite cases has been increasing during the past few months. In April, the dog bite cases increased to 4390 when compared with 3970 cases in March. In February, the number of dog bite cases was 3479 while 3381 persons received treatment in the hospitals in January. Of the 14 major hospitals where a large number of animal bite cases are registered in Chennai, Periyar Government Hospital in Periyar Nagar has registered the highest number, with 844 cases in April. Government Peripheral Hospital in KK Nagar registered 592 animal bite cases in the same month. Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital has registered 542 animal bite cases in April, while Government Royapettah Hospital treated 483 cases. Government Stanley Hospital registered 450 cases, while Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital registered 298 cases. The Chennai Corporation have not been able to assess the impact of animal bite cases in the city as many of the private hospitals have not shared data about various animal bite cases. Residents have also complained about animal bite injuries caused by various animals including rats. Corporation officials said additional animal birth control centres at five new locations are expected to be launched in three months. Published - June 03, 2026 12:13 am IST