Why in News?
- Delhi govt (Development Minister Kapil Mishra) announced plan to implant microchips in ~10 lakh stray dogs (2025–26) with UNDP collaboration.
- Comes after Delhi reported 26,334 dog-bite cases and 49 rabies cases (till July 2025).
- Part of comprehensive rabies control & stray dog management strategy; decision taken ahead of World Rabies Day (Sept 28).
Relevance:
- GS II – Governance: Implementation of public health and municipal policies; role of local government, SC directives (animal welfare).
- GS III – Science & Technology: Use of microchip technology in public health and urban animal management; data-driven planning.
- GS III – Health: Rabies control, zoonotic diseases, vaccination strategies; public health infrastructure.
Basics
- Microchip technology:
- Tiny electronic chip implanted under animal’s skin.
- Stores unique ID + vaccination & sterilisation history.
- Data can be read via handheld scanner (~₹4,000 each).
- Dog census: First step for accurate planning.
- Pet shop regulation: Mandatory registration to track breeding & sale.
- SC order (Aug 2025): Directed humane management of strays — capture, sterilise, vaccinate, and release back locally.
Overview
- Governance & Monitoring:
- Advisory Board for Animal Welfare → key policy body.
- Local monitoring committees to ensure implementation.
- Social media to boost awareness & citizen participation.
- Public Health:
- Rabies is 100% fatal but preventable → India contributes ~35% of global deaths.
- Vaccination + sterilisation + microchipping = integrated control.
- Cost & Feasibility:
- ~₹200 per chip; civic body tendering worth ₹3.23 crore.
- Bengaluru model: ₹60 crore plan by BBMP for stray management.
- Legal & Ethical Dimension:
- Aligns with Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules & SC directives.
- Balances public safety vs animal rights (ban on mass culling).
- Challenges:
- Execution across 10 lakh dogs in 2 years = logistical hurdle.
- Maintenance of database & scanners’ availability.
- Resistance from local communities & animal welfare groups.
