The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has reported that the city has achieved approximately 89% sterilisation coverage of stray dogs under its Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. This initiative is part of efforts to support the “Zero by 2030” rabies elimination goal. The AMC’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) highlighted the integrated approach of sterilisation, vaccination, and digital tracking systems in an interview.
CNCD Head of Department Naresh Rajput mentioned that Ahmedabad has registered 19,535 pet dogs, surpassing other cities where registration numbers are significantly lower. The city’s enforcement and awareness campaigns have played a crucial role in expanding coverage. Rajput explained the implementation of RFID microchipping in dogs and cattle, likening it to an “Aadhaar for cattle,” to maintain comprehensive life-cycle data.
The microchip stores sterilisation and vaccination history, enabling officials to track vaccination schedules accurately. AMC has procured 15,000 microchips this year, costing around Rs 50.53 lakh. The sterilisation and vaccination program, initiated in 2019-20, has already administered 7,571 anti-rabies vaccinations this year alone, up to May 31.
