Wed Sep 10 20:11:34 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the text you provided:
**Headline: Delhi to Microchip Nearly 1 Million Street Dogs in Ambitious Rabies Control Program**
**New Delhi, September 11, 2025** – The Delhi government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), announced a large-scale initiative to implant microchips in nearly one million street dogs over the next two years. The ambitious program aims to comprehensively address rabies control, prevent dog-bite incidents, and digitize the vaccination process in the capital city.
Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra announced the decision following a meeting of the Delhi Advisory Board for Animal Welfare. The microchips, costing approximately ₹200 each, will store vital information about each dog, including its vaccination and sterilization history. Handheld scanners, costing ₹4,000, will be used to access the chip data.
“Special emphasis was placed on strengthening rabies control and dog population management through microchips,” stated a government release, highlighting the urgency of the situation with 26,334 dog bite cases and 49 rabies cases reported in Delhi this year alone (as of July 31st).
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), responsible for rabies control in over 90% of the city, is a key partner in the initiative. A dog census will also be conducted to ensure accurate data for effective planning.
In addition to the microchipping program, the government plans to make pet shop registration mandatory and establish monitoring committees to ensure compliance. Public awareness campaigns will be launched via social media to garner support and participation.
The initiative follows a similar program being implemented in Bengaluru, where the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has allocated ₹60 crore for stray dog management in 2025-26, including a microchipping project.
This move comes after the Supreme Court modified an earlier order regarding the relocation of stray dogs, directing that captured animals be sterilized and immunized before being released back into their original localities.