Delhi preps stray dog plan: Microchipping, pet shop registration, and more funds

The objective of the meeting was to deliberate on various issues related to animal welfare and to prepare a concrete action plan against rabies before the World Rabies Day on September 28, including prevention of dog bite incidents and digitisation of the vaccination process, officials said.

The Supreme Court had on August 11 ordered that stray dogs be picked up from the streets and confined to dedicated shelters. This had led to protests by animal rights activists, following which the SC had modified its order, directing that stray dogs be released in the area from where they were picked up after sterilisation, deworming and vaccination.

Mishra, meanwhile, directed that a dog census and monitoring system be implemented at the earliest to ensure accurate data and stronger future planning.

It was also decided that registration of pet shops in Delhi will be made mandatory, for which a special monitoring committee will be constituted. Regional committees will be activated to ensure compliance at the local level. “All shops will be required to register as per rules, and strict monitoring will be ensured,” Mishra said.

Moreover, the meeting also discussed a proposal to transfer funds from the Delhi Advisory Board for Animal Welfare to the Delhi Animal Welfare Board, along with plans to set up a standing committee and sub-committees, recruit staff, and approve expenditure for smooth functioning. “Adequate funds are being provided to the Delhi Animal Welfare Board so that work for animal welfare can move forward rapidly,” Mishra said.

It was also decided that awareness programmes will be initiated in schools in collaboration with the Education department and an animal market monitoring committee established in the city.