Shillong’s Laban area has been selected for a pilot programme to help eliminate dog-mediated rabies in East Khasi Hills by 2030. The district administration launched the action plan on September 1 to address dog-bite cases, rabies prevention and the growing stray-dog population. The pilot will focus on vaccinating and sterilising stray dogs while improving post-sterilisation care.
Authorities will also strengthen responsible pet ownership and regulate designated areas for feeding stray dogs. Following the pilot, the administration plans to expand the programme across Shillong and later to rural areas.
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Key Facts
- Location: Laban, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
- Launch date: September 1
- Target: Eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030
- Pilot focus: Stray-dog vaccination and sterilisation
- Key officials: Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and ADC F.B. Basan
- Future plan: Expand across Shillong and rural areas
Laban to Lead the Pilot Programme
The East Khasi Hills administration launched the Action Plan for the Elimination of Dog-Mediated Rabies at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Initially, the Laban pilot will focus on vaccinating stray dogs. Once authorities complete the vaccination phase within the stipulated period, they will begin sterilisation to help control the stray-dog population.
The programme will also provide post-sterilisation care. As a result, authorities expect the initiative to address both rabies prevention and stray-dog management.
High Number of Dog-Bite Cases
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the district records a high number of dog-bite cases every year.
However, he noted that some incidents may go unreported. He also acknowledged that stray dogs remain a recurring concern for residents.
Therefore, the administration plans to combine vaccination, sterilisation and community monitoring to tackle the problem more effectively.
Community Leaders to Play Key Role
The administration has already consulted NGOs and Rangbah Shnong, or traditional community leaders, about the programme.
Baranwal said community leaders will play an important role in implementing the action plan at the local level.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner F.B. Basan called for coordinated efforts involving government departments, community leaders and residents.
He urged Rangbah Shnong and other representatives to support the programme and help authorities implement the measures effectively.
New Rules for Pet Owners
The action plan also places greater responsibility on pet owners. Owners will have to register their dogs with their respective Rangbah Shnong and maintain valid vaccination records.
Furthermore, the district administration will coordinate vaccination drives for pet dogs. Community leaders will assist with monitoring and maintaining vaccination records.
The administration also plans to regulate stray-dog feeding. Community leaders and traditional institutions will identify designated feeding areas, while feeding dogs outside those locations will be prohibited under the proposed measures.
Programme to Expand Across Shillong
After completing the Laban pilot, the administration plans to expand the programme to other parts of Shillong.
Eventually, authorities intend to extend the initiative to rural areas of East Khasi Hills as well.
The district administration, Health Department, Police Department, other government agencies and community organisations will share responsibilities under the action plan.
Overall, the programme aims to reduce rabies transmission while managing the stray-dog population through vaccination, sterilisation, responsible pet ownership and community-level monitoring.
Questions and Answers
What is the main objective of the programme?
The programme aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies in East Khasi Hills by 2030.
Which area has been selected for the pilot?
Laban in Shillong has been selected for the pilot programme.
What will happen first?
Authorities will initially focus on vaccinating stray dogs before taking up sterilisation.
What responsibilities will pet owners have?
Pet owners will need to register their dogs and maintain valid vaccination records.
Will the programme cover other areas?
Yes. Authorities plan to expand the initiative across Shillong and eventually to rural parts of East Khasi Hills.
Location Context
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and a major urban centre in Northeast India. The Laban pilot could serve as a model for coordinated rabies prevention and stray-dog management in other parts of the region.
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