Now stray dogs under watch: GPS collars to monitor location and activity

 Shimla (The Uttam Hindu)- The Municipal Corporation in the capital Shimla is going to start a unique and big campaign for the first time in the country to deal with the increasing problem of stray dogs. Under this campaign, about 4,000 stray dogs of the city will be fitted with smart collars based on QR code and GPS. This technology will not only monitor the location and activities of the dogs, but will also provide complete information related to their health and vaccination. In this way, Shimla will become the first city in North India, where digital identification and tracking of dogs will be done on such a large scale. Dr. Rahul Negi, Veterinary Public Health Officer of Municipal Corporation Shimla, said that the campaign to install smart collars will be started soon.

As soon as the code attached to the collar is scanned, the complete record of the dog's age, health, sterilization, vaccination and behavior will be revealed. GPS will also help in finding out which dog is roaming in which area and what are its activities. Dr. Negi said that this initiative will prepare a digital record of every dog and ensure timely vaccination and care. Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation Surendra Chauhan said that in this campaign, sterilization, vaccination and numbering of dogs will be done. Aggressive or repeatedly biting dogs will be identified and shifted to Tootikandi Dog Hot so that people can get a safe environment.

He said that this is the first effort of its kind in the country, in which vaccination, sterilization and digitalization have been combined together. There are more than 4,000 stray dogs in the city at present and more than 100 dog bite cases are registered every month in IGMC and DDU Hospital. Women and children also become victims in large numbers. The corporation hopes that smart collar technology will increase the safety of people and control the incidents of dog bites. Along with this, a mega dog vaccination drive is also going on in Shimla from 15 to 29 August. It was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri from the Ridge Ground. Municipal Corporation Shimla, Animal Husbandry Department, Human People NGO and international organization Mission Rabies are working together in the campaign. In this, about 4,000 dogs are being vaccinated against anti-rabies in all 34 wards of the city. The Deputy Chief Minister said that this step will give great relief to the people in the capital and tourist city Shimla and will prove helpful in controlling the problem of stray dogs.