Chennai International Airport has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first airport in India to set up a dedicated stray dog safety and welfare centre. This initiative was launched in response to the growing number of stray dogs around the airport’s domestic and international terminals, which had raised safety concerns among passengers, airline staff, and security personnel.
To manage the situation, airport authorities have partnered with an animal welfare NGO. Trained teams from the NGO will now work in rotational shifts around the clock to provide 24/7 surveillance. Their duties include the humane capture of stray dogs, sterilisation procedures, anti-rabies vaccinations, and regular care. The teams will also ensure that the animals are not mistreated, balancing public safety with compassion for the animals.
This move follows an earlier campaign where 40 stray dogs were captured and treated under an animal birth control programme. The increasing concern shared by passengers on social media and the resulting media attention prompted the airport to act. With this new welfare centre, Chennai Airport hopes to set an example for other airports across India by adopting a humane and effective approach to managing stray animals.