The Delhi government has announced a comprehensive action plan to better manage the city's pet and stray dog populations, focusing on microchipping, digitalizing vaccination records, and regulating pet shops. This initiative follows a Supreme Court ruling addressing the issue of stray animals and aims to improve animal welfare and public safety.

A central component of the plan is the microchipping of approximately 1 million dogs in Delhi. This large-scale effort is intended to create a reliable database for tracking and managing the dog population. Microchipping involves inserting a small microchip under the dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades, in a process similar to a routine vaccination. This microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by shelters and veterinary clinics, facilitating the quick identification and return of lost pets.

The Delhi Animal Welfare Board's action plan also includes the digitalization of the animal vaccination system. This technological upgrade aims to streamline the monitoring and enforcement of animal immunizations across the city. By creating digital vaccination records, authorities can more effectively track vaccination statuses and prevent the spread of diseases, contributing to both animal and public health.

Furthermore, the new regulations mandate the registration of all pet shops in Delhi. This measure seeks to establish a formal regulatory framework to curb illegal breeding and sales of animals. By registering pet shops, the government aims to ensure that these establishments adhere to ethical standards and comply with animal welfare regulations.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is also enhancing its supervision of animal birth control (ABC) centers in the city. This includes collaborating with NGOs to microchip dogs at ABC centers, recording their sterilization status and other essential information for future tracking. The MCD also plans to establish shelters and isolation kennels for aggressive or rabies-suspected dogs.

To improve the effectiveness of the ABC program, the MCD is forming a monitoring team to inspect shelters and ensure they meet the required standards. This team will check for adequate rabies injections, proper sanitation, isolation of infected dogs, and accurate sterilization records. The MCD is also planning a census of stray dogs in Delhi to better understand the population dynamics and allocate resources effectively.

Following the Supreme Court's directives on stray dogs, the Delhi government will launch a sterilization and vaccination drive campaign under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023. The Supreme Court has ordered that stray dogs must be released after sterilization and immunization, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behavior. The government plans to convert 24 of its 78 veterinary hospitals into vaccination centers.

Microchipping offers numerous benefits, including expert care from trained veterinarians, immediate identification of lost pets, and increased chances of reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Choosing a reputable microchipping service provider is essential, and factors to consider include qualifications, experience, and follow-up services. Whizzles is India's first microchip registry and recovery service and can be used to register pets. Registration ensures that the microchip ID number can be referenced to trace the pet if it is lost.

These measures represent a multi-faceted approach to managing Delhi's dog population, aiming to balance animal welfare with public safety concerns.