BBMP to Relaunch Tender for Stray Dog Microchipping Project

Quick Summary

• The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to issue a tender for microchipping stray dogs for the third time, amid a legal challenge from a charitable trust in the High Court.
• The project will cost ₹3.23 crore,with ₹3.09 crore allocated for acquiring 1,62,817 microchips and ₹14.85 lakh for purchasing 50 microchip readers.
• Microchips (1-1.5 mm in size) will be injected into dogs’ neck skin by specialists under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program.
• The chips feature GPS tracking and Unique Identification numbers (UINs), storing vaccination details, location data, photographs, and other information accessible via software linked to BBMP servers.
• Procurement will occur in phases over one to two years; contractors must supply chips and offer free software services initially before quoting annual service costs.
• Two known contractors meet eligibility criteria; past tender attempts failed due to lack of bids or unmet requirements-one pilot has tested 500 dogs without adverse effects on health or chip performance.
• Critics argue ABC rules prohibit such implants in stray dogs but permit them only for privately owned pets; a PIL challenging the legality of this initiative is sub judice.

Image Description: A file photo shows microchips being installed into stray dogs during trial operations conducted by BBMP.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The BBMPS plan to use microchips as part of managing Bengaluru’s stray dog population represents an innovative approach aimed at better monitoring vaccinations and movement patterns through technology integration. While preliminary trials suggest functionality without harm to animals involved, ongoing legal challenges underscore concerns about compliance with existing Animal Birth Control rules that could impact its broader implementation.

Should this project proceed past judicial scrutiny successfully, it might signify growing adoption of technological solutions within municipal animal husbandry practices while aiding public health efforts related to controlling rabies risks among Bengaluru’s sizable stray population. However, transparency regarding procurement processes-particularly given earlier setbacks-and ensuring alignment with ethical guidelines are essential steps moving forward.

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