AMC proposes mandatory RFID chipping, tagging for city’s pet dogs, strays
Updated: Oct 24th, 2024
Ahmebadad’s dogs – estimated to number about 2 lakh – could soon receive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchip implants and visual ear tags.
A proposal submitted to the Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Standing Committee by the Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) aims to extend the city’s animal registration programme from cattle to include both stray and pet dogs.
BizOrbit Technologies will execute the two-year project, valued at ₹1.80 crore, the proposal states. RFID implants will cost ₹285 per dog, while visual ear tags will cost ₹30 per dog.
If passed, the registration mandate would help identify strays and pets along with their owners across the city.
“In accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the department has decided to give identification to all dogs. These, including their owner’s registration,” said CNC head Naresh Rajput.
ABC Rules mandate identification tags for sterilised and vaccinated dogs to monitor their well-being and future vaccination needs. The rules prohibit relocation of strays, stating that sterilisation and vaccination are the only legal methods to control their population.
The AMC will continue its existing programme of capturing stray dogs for sterilisation procedures, now enhanced with the new identification system once implemented.
Microchips Vs Ear Tags
Typically, RFID microchips, about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted under the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned with a special RFID reader, the chip transmits its unique 15-digit identification number. This number, when looked up in a registered database, provides access to detailed information about the animal and its owner. The chip itself doesn’t store personal data—it only contains this ID number. The chip has no battery and is activated by the scanner’s electromagnetic field, allowing it to last for the animal’s lifetime.
Meanwhile, visual ear tags often include a unique visible ID number, colour coding to indicate vaccination status, sterilisation status or area/zone and year of tagging.
While more visible than microchips, these tags are vulnerable to damage or loss over time.
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