Shimla Municipal Corporation has launched a pioneering campaign to control the rising stray dog population by equipping them with GPS-enabled collars featuring QR codes. These collars hold important information about each dog, including its sterilisation status, vaccination history, health records, age, and behavior. Residents can easily scan the QR codes to access these details, improving the oversight of these animals and enhancing community safety.
This initiative is being carried out with strong support from NGOs and volunteers who are also conducting awareness programs. These sessions target schoolchildren, local residents, and ward councillors, teaching them how to safely handle stray dogs, particularly aggressive ones. Educational materials are actively distributed to minimize dog-related incidents and foster a compassionate approach to these animals.
India is pushing for a large-scale sterilisation and vaccination drive targeting 70% of the country’s stray dogs, estimated to be around 15.3 million. This campaign is part of a wider effort to balance public safety while managing the growing stray dog population humanely. The issue has gained prominence following a Supreme Court directive about relocating and sterilising stray dogs around Delhi-NCR, a move that sparked much debate over animal welfare.
Globally, while India’s stray dog population is growing rapidly, nations like the United States, Brazil, and China have the largest dog populations overall, including pets and strays. Different countries approach stray dog management based on their own unique challenges and infrastructure.
Shimla’s new use of smart collars blends technology with community participation, setting an example for innovative and humane ways to address urban stray dog issues, benefiting both people and animals alike.
