On the occasion of World Rabies Day, a special anti-rabies vaccination campaign was organized in Asansol to ensure the protection of stray dogs and raise public awareness. Organized in the area adjacent to the Asansol Rabindra Bhavan, this program not only provided vaccines but also called upon people from all sections of society to step forward with the message of stopping neglect and cruelty against stray animals.
This joint initiative was successfully implemented through the initiative of 'Ayudar – The Voice of Animals' and with the full cooperation of the Paschim Bardhaman District Animal Resources Development Department of the Government of West Bengal. Held in the afternoon in front of the main gate of Asansol Rabindra Bhavan, the program was attended by several animal lovers, environmentalists, and representatives of the Animal Resources Department of the city. The main objective of this initiative was to protect stray dogs from rabies and maintain a balance between animal welfare and human safety.
Prominent physician Dr. Indranil Mukherjee, social and animal welfare workers Tara Nag, Partha Ganguly, Lipika Chakraborty, Tanushree Sinha, Mahua Mukherjee, and many others were present at the event. With the help of an experienced vaccination team and volunteers, many stray dogs in Rabindra Bhavan and surrounding areas were identified and safely vaccinated.
Experts and animal lovers stated that although rabies is a severe and fatal disease, it is 100 percent preventable through timely vaccination. Keeping in view the World Health Organization's target of 'eliminating rabies by 2030', such local mass vaccination programs play a crucial role. Dr. Indranil Mukherjee said, "Human safety and the health of stray animals are interlinked. It is not enough to just warn people; by regularly administering anti-rabies vaccines to stray dogs, the risk of rabies can be reduced to zero."
Alongside vaccination, light was shed on building social responsibility and empathy towards stray animals on this day. Animal lovers present at the program expressed anger, stating that volunteers often face taunts and obstacles when trying to feed stray dogs in various residential areas of Asansol. In many cases, brutal incidents such as unnecessary lathi-charge or physical torture against innocent animals occur.
On behalf of the animal lovers, a clear message was given to the general public that cruelty towards animals is a punishable offense under the law of the land. Stray animals also have the right to live with dignity in this world. To make society safe and rabies-free, people must come forward with love and a scientific outlook rather than hostility towards animals.
Representatives of the organizing body 'Ayudar' said, "Prevent rabies, protect animals, and build a safe and healthy future—we want to convey this message to all the residents of Asansol." Everyone present expressed hope that this cooperation from the Animal Resources Development Department will continue in the future in the interest of public health and animal welfare.
