In a groundbreaking move to tackle the city’s stray animal population, the Delhi Animal Welfare Board unveiled a comprehensive State Action Plan on September 10, 2025, spurred by a recent Supreme Court ruling. The ambitious strategy introduces sweeping measures to enhance animal welfare, curb illegal practices, and bolster public health, with a flagship initiative to microchip 10 lakh dogs to create a robust database for population control and tracking.

The microchipping program, set to roll out over the next two years with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to revolutionize stray dog management. By implanting microchips, authorities will be able to track individual animals, monitor their health, and ensure effective population control, addressing both animal welfare and public safety concerns. This initiative responds to growing incidents of dog bites and rabies, with Delhi reporting over 35,000 dog bite cases in 2025 alone, according to health authorities.

Beyond microchipping, the plan mandates the registration of all pet shops and breeding centers to clamp down on illegal breeding and sales. This regulatory framework aims to ensure ethical practices and prevent the exploitation of animals, a long-standing issue in the city’s pet trade. Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra emphasized, “Animal welfare and rabies prevention are now top priorities for the capital.”

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A key technological advancement in the plan is the digitalization of the animal vaccination system. This upgrade will streamline the tracking of immunization records, ensuring animals are vaccinated against diseases like rabies, which poses a significant public health risk. The digital system is expected to improve efficiency, allowing authorities to monitor vaccination coverage across Delhi’s sprawling urban landscape and reduce disease transmission.

The plan also includes provisions for organized stray feeding points in every ward, expanded gaushalas (cow shelters), and an uninterrupted supply of rabies vaccines. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma has directed officials to establish three to four feeding points per ward, coordinated with local municipal councillors, to ensure humane treatment of strays.

This comprehensive approach comes in the wake of a controversial Supreme Court order on August 11, 2025, mandating the relocation of Delhi-NCR’s estimated 10 lakh stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks, a directive that sparked debate over feasibility and animal welfare. While the court later revised its stance to emphasize sterilization and vaccination, the Delhi Animal Welfare Board’s plan aligns with a more humane and sustainable strategy.

With these measures, Delhi aims to balance public safety with compassionate animal management, setting a potential model for other Indian cities grappling with similar challenges. As the plan unfolds, it promises to reshape the city’s approach to its stray animal population while prioritizing health and safety for all residents.

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