Delhi to microchip 10 lakh stray dogs in 2 years; track census, vaccination

Delhi stray dog

The Delhi government will microchip nearly 10 lakh stray dogs over the next two years in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Development Minister Kapil Mishra announced on Wednesday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Animal Welfare Board, chaired by Mishra at the Delhi Secretariat, with officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, NDMC, MCD, and other agencies in attendance.

The minister said the microchipping drive would form part of a larger plan to strengthen rabies control, dog population management, and vaccination tracking in the city.

With World Rabies Day approaching on September 28, the Delhi government is preparing a State Action Plan aimed at reducing dog-bite incidents and digitising vaccination records.

“During the previous government’s tenure, the Animal Welfare Board did not meet for several years. This meeting has been convened to address all pending issues. Our aim is to make Delhi a model city in animal welfare,” Mishra said, adding that adequate funds were being provided for the initiative.

Other key decisions:
>> Dog census and monitoring system to be implemented soon for accurate data.
>> Mandatory registration of pet shops, with a dedicated monitoring committee to ensure compliance.
>> Animal Market Monitoring Committee to regulate animal markets.
>> Awareness drives in schools in collaboration with the Education Department.
>> Use of social media campaigns to boost public awareness on rabies and animal welfare.
>> Participation of Board members in national and international conferences and training.

Furthermore, the Board has approved proposals to transfer funds from the Delhi Advisory Board for Animal Welfare to the Delhi Animal Welfare Board, set up a Standing Committee and sub-committees, recruit staff, and authorise expenditure for smooth functioning.

Mishra said district-level Animal Welfare Committees would also be formed. “If financial assistance is required at any level, the Delhi government will provide it on priority,” he added.

The meeting follows the Supreme Court order, early this August, directing that stray dogs, once sterilised, dewormed, and vaccinated, be released back into the areas they were picked up from. The ruling came after protests by animal rights activists against an earlier directive to confine dogs to shelters.