World Rabies Day 2026 was observed at the Veterinary Hospital, Kohima on September 28 with a focus on rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership and the importance of timely anti-rabies vaccination. Free anti-rabies vaccination was administered to dogs as part of the observance.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner & President SPCA, Kohima,  B Henok Buchem, NCS stressed the need for responsible pet ownership, noting that complaints had been received about pet dogs being allowed to roam freely in Kohima, resulting in safety, hygiene and health concerns. He said women, senior citizens and other residents had reported difficulties while walking in the early morning, along with instances of dog bites and injuries in some colonies.

Urging owners to take full responsibility for their pets, Buchem said, “My dog is my responsibility,” and called on pet owners to provide proper care, ensure vaccination and prevent their dogs from roaming in public spaces without leash. He also advised residents to consider the size of their compounds and the suitability of dog breeds before keeping pets.

He informed that the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) was preparing a regulatory order and that a dog shelter was expected to become operational by the middle of October. Once operational, dogs found roaming freely would be taken to the shelter by a designated team with support from the police and local communities, with feeding and maintenance expenses to be recovered from the owners.

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Buchem also announced that two vaccination camps would be organised annually across all 19 wards of Kohima, with the support of the Veterinary and Health departments, KMC and local councils. He urged residents to ensure that their dogs were vaccinated and properly restrained.

Speaking on the occasion, Sr Superintendant of Police, Krodi Rhetso, IPS described rabies as a fatal but preventable disease and appreciated the efforts of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Health & Family Welfare departments in promoting awareness, conducting dog vaccination and undertaking preventive measures.

He emphasised that prevention of rabies required collective efforts from government departments, pet owners and the wider community, and expressed hope that no person in the district would suffer from the disease. He also stated that there were no official reports or complaints of animal cruelty received by SPCA Kohima as of the time of the programme.

The programme was organised by the Chief Veterinary Office, Kohima, in collaboration with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Kohima, National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) and Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland.

Dr Ketholenuo Metha, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Kohima, chaired the programme, with Dr. Nounengulie Kire, Public Health Specialist, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, as the resource person. Dr. Auto V, Deputy Director, delivered the vote of thanks.