Rabies control and stray dog management in Tamil Nadu through integrated public health policy and humane governance

Rabies remains one of India’s most lethal yet neglected zoonotic diseases, with free ranging dogs responsible for most human exposures and deaths. Although effective postexposure prophylaxis exists, gaps in accessibility, compliance and awareness continues to sustain the national burden. India has committed to eliminating dog mediated rabies by 2030 under the National Rabies Control Programme, yet progress is uneven across states. Tamil Nadu offers an instructive example, characterised by high dog density, rising bite incidence, and public concern. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023, reinforced by Supreme Court directives, mandate humane sterilisation, vaccination, and municipal accountability. This review synthesises epidemiological evidence, policy frameworks and field practices to assess current strategies. The Sterilise Vaccinate Return (SVR) approach, supported by postexposure prophylaxis, regulated feeding and improved waste management, remains central, but major gaps persist: coverage often falls below the 70% threshold, dog census data are scarce and unregulated feeding and waste disposal continue to drive conflict and transmission. Tamil Nadu could become a model through expanded sterilisation and vaccination, microchipping and digital registries, designated feeding zones, and reliable vaccine supply. However, existing tools alone are insufficient to achieve “Zero by 2030”. Sustainable elimination will require managed care models, behaviour informed policy and rigorous census methods that protect both human health and animal welfare.