Ahmedabad Dogs to get RFID Microchips, Ear Tags

Ahmedabad : Ahmedabad’s estimated 2 lakh dogs, both stray and pet, could soon be identified using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchips and visual ear tags, as part of a new proposal by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The initiative, presented by the Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) to the AMC Standing Committee, seeks to extend the city’s animal registration program, which currently covers cattle, to include dogs.

The two-year project, valued at ₹1.80 crore, will be executed by BizOrbit Technologies. Under the plan, RFID microchips will be implanted at a cost of ₹285 per dog, while visual ear tags will be priced at ₹30 each. If approved, the registration will help identify and track stray and pet dogs across the city, providing essential information about the animals and their owners.

Ensuring Compliance with Animal Welfare Regulations

The proposal aligns with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which emphasize the need for proper identification of dogs. “The department has decided to implement identification tags for all dogs, including registration details for pet owners,” said CNCD head Naresh Rajput.

Under the ABC Rules, identification tags are essential for tracking sterilized and vaccinated dogs, ensuring their well-being and monitoring future vaccination requirements. The rules also prohibit the relocation of stray dogs, emphasizing sterilization and vaccination as the only legal methods to control the stray dog population.

AMC will continue its current program of capturing and sterilizing stray dogs, but now it will be enhanced with the new identification system. This initiative aims to improve the monitoring and management of stray dogs, contributing to animal welfare and public safety.

Microchips vs. Ear Tags: How They Work

The proposed system offers two identification methods: RFID microchips and visual ear tags. Each has its advantages, depending on the purpose and environment.

RFID microchips, which are about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted under the dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip stores a unique 15-digit identification number, which can be read by a special RFID scanner. When scanned, the chip transmits this ID number, which links to a registered database containing details about the dog and its owner. Since the microchip has no battery, it remains functional throughout the animal’s lifetime and is only activated when scanned by an electromagnetic field.

Visual ear tags, on the other hand, are attached to the dog’s ear and display a visible ID number. These tags can also be color-coded to indicate the animal’s vaccination or sterilization status, as well as the area and year of tagging. While ear tags are more visible and easy to identify without scanning equipment, they can be susceptible to damage or loss over time.

A Step Towards Better Animal Management

If the AMC’s proposal is approved, the new system will not only help in the effective management of the city’s dog population but will also enhance the welfare of animals. Stray and pet dogs can be more easily identified, ensuring timely vaccinations, and tracking of sterilization, while also helping authorities monitor health-related issues.

The initiative will also provide reassurance to pet owners, making it easier to locate lost pets. By implementing RFID microchips, AMC aims to introduce a modern, efficient, and humane system for animal identification, a step forward in achieving the goals of the Animal Birth Control Rules.

The proposed project reflects Ahmedabad’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards and ensuring a safer environment for both animals and residents. With proper identification, authorities can efficiently handle issues related to stray dogs, including health and population control, contributing to a more organized and effective approach to animal management.