MMC announces annual registration-cum-vaccination drive for Sept 2-3
The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) will conduct its annual dog registration-cum-vaccination drive on September 2 and 3, as the town’s dog registration system approaches a decade since its launch in 2017.
The drive will be conducted in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and All Ward Union Mokokchung (AWUM), with the exercise beginning at 8 am on both days.
The dog registration rules were formally launched on September 4, 2017, followed by the first anti-rabies vaccination drive on September 15 across all 18 wards under the municipality.
More than 2,200 dogs were registered and nearly 1,900 were vaccinated during the first drive, according to the MMC.
The system was introduced amid concerns over dog bites, rabies and dogs rummaging through garbage and littering public spaces. Since then, the MMC has continued to conduct annual anti-rabies vaccination campaigns every September, along with registration renewals and registration of new pets.
Nearly a decade later, MMC Deputy Chairperson Lanuakum told MT that some of the concerns that led to the initiative have reduced.
He said littering on the streets and dogs taking dirt from dustbins have decreased, while local hospital records indicate a decline in rabies cases.
Lanuakum said the town has become cleaner and pet owners have become more sensitised, with greater attention being given to the care of dogs.
He also pointed to the growing number of pet clinics in the town and changes in the breeds of dogs kept by residents.
Lanuakum said the system has produced encouraging results, particularly in improving cleanliness and reducing the number of free-roaming dogs, while noting that there is still scope for further improvement.
The registration system initially involved vaccination, documentation and distribution of dog tags to help identify registered dogs and regulate ownership.
The MMC is now revising its Dog Registration and Proper Control of Dogs Regulations.
The MMC has revised its Dog Registration and Proper Control of Dogs Regulations. Following a review of the existing MMC Dog Registration and Proper Control of Dogs Rules and Regulations, 2017, the Council has adopted the revised MMC Dog Registration and Proper Control of Dogs Regulations, 2026.
The revised regulations cover systematic registration, vaccination and identification of dogs; prevention of nuisance, cruelty and disease transmission; breeding and population control; and enforcement.
The revised regulations have been submitted to the concerned department for government approval.
The MMC has also sought coordination and technical support from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, which has nominated a Veterinary Officer to work with the Council on dog registration, control measures and implementation of the proposed regulations.
Meanwhile, the 2026-27 registration and vaccination drive will cover different wards over two days.
On September 2, the exercise will cover Salangtem, Alempang, Alongmen, Sangtemla, Tongdentsuyong, Arkong, Penli, Dilong and Sungkomen.
On September 3, it will cover Yimyu, Lijaba, Lijen, Mongsenbai, Kumlong, Kichutip, Aongza, Marepkong, Vajakong and Artang.
The MMC has asked each ward to arrange the necessary facilities and assign two persons to assist the veterinary team. Ward chairmen will sign registration cards for renewals.
Registration cards can be collected from the MMC office on August 27 during office hours. Wards that submitted dog tags after last year’s registration have been asked to collect them from the office, while those that retained their tags may continue using them. Details of lost tags requiring replacement are to be submitted to the MMC by August 27.
The MMC said fees for new registration, renewal, vaccination and utilisation charges will remain unchanged.
For queries regarding the drive, Dr Wati, VAS, may be contacted at 9436007607.
