Shimla Launches High-Tech Drive to Tackle Stray Dog Menace and Dog Bite Cases

In a heartfelt and forward-thinking initiative, the Shimla Municipal Corporation has launched its most ambitious campaign yet to manage the city’s stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents. Starting on August 15, the city has been buzzing with activity as teams hit the streets—not just to vaccinate stray dogs, but to equip them with something revolutionary: smart collars.

These collars aren’t just accessories. They come embedded with GPS trackers and QR codes, turning every stray dog into a digitally monitored citizen of Shimla. The goal? To ensure public safety, improve animal welfare, and bring transparency to how the city cares for its street animals.

Working hand-in-hand with NGOs and the Animal Husbandry Department, the Corporation is conducting a Mega Dog Vaccination Drive until August 29. The target is ambitious—vaccinate and sterilize 3,000 dogs across all 34 city wards. The campaign began in Chhota Shimla and has already reached New Shimla, Sanjauli, Ghora Chowki, Mall Road, and Ridge Maidan. Vaccinated dogs are marked with red paint on their ears for easy identification.

A Digital Identity for Every Dog

Mayor Surender Chauhan shared that each dog will now have a digital record—a first for North India. This record will include details like vaccination status, sterilization history, and the ward the dog belongs to. Aggressive dogs, especially those involved in repeated bite incidents, will be relocated to a special shelter in Tutikandi, where they’ll be cared for under close supervision.

Why Smart Collars Matter

Dr. Rahul Negi, Veterinary Public Health Officer, explained the benefits of these collars:

• Easy Identification: Each dog gets a unique digital ID.
• Health Monitoring: Instant access to vaccination and treatment records.
• Safety: GPS tracking helps prevent dogs from getting lost or wandering into unfamiliar areas.
• Community Protection: Aggressive dogs can be quickly identified and managed.

Anyone can scan the QR code on a dog’s collar to view its profile—age, health status, vaccination history, sterilization details, and even behavioral notes.

Real-Time Tracking for Real Impact

The GPS system allows the Corporation to monitor dogs in real time. If a dog strays from its designated ward, the system flags it immediately, helping teams respond faster and more effectively.

Setting a New Standard

Shimla is now poised to become North India’s first city to adopt this kind of smart technology for stray dog management. With support from animal experts from Maharashtra, Goa, and Delhi, and four dedicated vehicles deployed across the city, the campaign is a shining example of how compassion and innovation can come together to create safer, healthier communities—for both people and animals.