Delhi to Microchip One Million Stray Dogs, Implement Anti-Rabies Measures

Following a recent Supreme Court ruling on stray dog management, Delhi's animal welfare board convened a crucial meeting on Wednesday. The board announced plans to microchip one million stray dogs, regulate pet shop sales, and launch a comprehensive Rabies Action Plan. Development Minister Kapil Sharma, who chaired the meeting, stated that the new measures aim to balance public safety with animal welfare. The government will introduce a Delhi State Plan against Rabies, which includes digitized vaccination records, district-level monitoring committees, and targeted steps to prevent dog bite incidents. Additionally, all pet shops in Delhi must register with a monitoring committee to ensure compliance. New proposals for funding and governance were also established, involving resource transfers, the creation of committees, and staff hiring. A significant focus will be placed on awareness through school-level campaigns led by the Education department and market monitoring by a dedicated committee. Officials have been tasked with preparing a detailed advisory covering rabies control, microchipping, pet shop registration, and awareness campaigns. Social media will also play a vital role in the awareness campaign.