Track & treat: BBMP kicks off microchipping of strays

Pilot project launches in Mathikere and Malleswaram to enhance monitoring and management of local dogs; this initiative stores vital information, such as location and vaccination details

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has begun a pilot project to microchip stray dogs in the Mathikere and Malleswaram areas of the western zone. Vikas Kishore Suralkar, Special Commissioner for Health and Animal Husbandry said, “The microchipping process is being introduced for stray dogs in these areas, allowing for permanent storage of vital information, such as the dog’s location, vaccination dates, and details of sterilisation surgeries.

This technology aims to help with better tracking and management of stray dogs. Several municipalities have already adopted microchip technology for stray animals, and now BBMP, in collaboration with another company, is implementing the system on a trial basis.”

Rice-grain-sized microchip

The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, serves as a permanent identification method for animals. It is implanted under the animal’s skin via injection, posing no side effects. The chip remains active for the animal’s lifetime and carries a unique identification number recognised globally.

Potential expansion

“If the pilot proves successful, the BBMP plans to roll out the microchip program across all zones in the city. The corporation is also aiming to organise comprehensive vaccination drives for stray dogs. With the microchip technology, it will be easier to track which dogs have already been vaccinated, preventing the need for repeat vaccinations.

At present, stray dogs in BBMP’s jurisdiction are marked with paint after vaccination, but this method is effective for only about a week. As a result, there is a risk of dogs being vaccinated multiple times. The introduction of microchips will eliminate this issue, enabling accurate tracking of vaccination status.

This initiative will provide precise information about stray dog population & prevent unnecessary repeat vaccinations– VIkas KS, official

This microchipping initiative will provide precise information about the stray dog population and prevent unnecessary repeat vaccinations, ultimately improving the efficiency of BBMP’s stray dog management efforts,” Kishore added.