SHIMLA, Aug. 18 — The Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) has rolled out an intensive sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drive for stray dogs, aiming to curb rising dog-bite incidents and create a digital record of the canine population.
As part of the campaign, every stray dog in the town will be fitted with a QR-based smart tag around its neck. These tags will contain key details including sterilisation status, vaccination history, overall health, age and behaviour. Residents can access this information instantly by scanning the code.
Mayor Surinder Chauhan said the campaign, which began Sunday, would run for 20 to 25 days. “Teams of veterinary experts from Goa, Maharashtra and Delhi have been engaged under the guidance of Dr. D.R. Anil. Four vehicles along with boarding and lodging facilities have been provided to the teams for catching stray dogs from different wards,” Chauhan noted.
He said the move comes in response to a “discernible increase in cases of dog bites and numerous complaints from residents.” The initiative, Chauhan added, would not only ensure digital monitoring of stray dogs but also help identify aggressive animals. “Such dogs will be housed in the ‘Dog Hut’ facility at Tutikandi,” he said.
Officials said the combination of sterilisation, vaccination and digital tagging is expected to make stray dog management more systematic and transparent, while reducing risks to residents.
