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BBMP to Microchip Street Dogs in Pilot Project Amidst Activist Concerns

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Vidhi

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3 min read

22 Jul, 2024

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Bangalore's civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is set to initiate a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at microchipping free-roaming street dogs. This initiative, despite facing criticism from animal activists, is designed to streamline the vaccination process and avoid redundant vaccinations.


Announced in February, the plan targets microchipping approximately 1,000 street dogs across three zones in the city. The pilot project, costing around Rs 5 lakh, is part of a larger scheme intended to eventually cover 1.4 lakh of Bangalore's 2.79 lakh street dogs. Officials from the BBMP’s animal husbandry department highlighted that the project’s primary goal is to prevent the multiple vaccinations of the same dogs, particularly concerning the anti-rabies vaccine.



The microchips, roughly one inch in size, will be implanted in the neck area between the shoulder blades using thick hypodermic needles. Each chip contains a unique code, which can be scanned using microchip readers, with 10 readers provided per zone. A senior official from the department stated, "We aim to prevent multiple vaccinations within a year, which can lead to adverse health effects."


However, this decision has sparked significant opposition from animal rights activists. They argue that the procedure is overly invasive and unnecessary. Activist Sujaya Jagadish pointed out that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) does not include microchipping in its standard operating procedures for street dog vaccinations or animal birth control programs. "Microchipping is common for pet dogs whose owners wish to track them, but not for free-roaming street dogs. The procedure, if improperly done, can cause spinal damage or infections," she explained.



Despite these concerns, BBMP officials defended the project, asserting that the microchips are safe and represent the most effective method to monitor their proposed five-in-one vaccination program. "We have conducted meetings with experts to address animal lovers' concerns. We will ensure all data is publicly accessible to facilitate better supervision," said Vikas Suralkar, BBMP Special Commissioner (Health).


Another activist, Neveena Kamath, voiced worries about the stress caused to dogs during the microchipping process. "The dogs need to be caught and restrained, which is stressful. Additionally, if the chip migrates or causes complications, who will monitor their condition? This is an unnecessary expenditure of public funds," she said.


The BBMP acknowledges these concerns but remains committed to the pilot project's objectives, hoping to demonstrate its benefits and ensure better health management for Bangalore's street dogs.

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