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Ahmedabad's Stray Dog Census: RFID Chips and New Survey
23 Jan
Summary
- AMC will hire an agency for a comprehensive stray dog survey across all 48 wards.
- RFID chips are now implanted in 6,007 stray dogs since January 2025.
- Dog bite cases reported outside AMC limits have increased, with more rabies vaccines administered.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is initiating a 'free roaming street dog survey' across its 48 wards, to be conducted by a hired agency. This survey is a crucial step to establish an infrastructure for relocating stray dogs, as mandated by the Supreme Court. The last census in 2019 recorded approximately 2.1 lakh stray dogs, with current estimates around 1.5 lakh.
Since January 2025, AMC has begun using RFID chips for stray dogs, with 6,007 dogs already tagged. The upcoming survey faces the challenge of identifying previously sterilized dogs and those with RFID chips. The process aims to gather ward-wise data on population, sterilization status, and health conditions of stray dogs.
Nationally, a Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs panel highlights the urgent need to address stray dog issues, citing a rise in dog bites from 21.8 lakh in 2022 to 27.5 lakh in 2023. Improved solid waste management and incentivizing dog adoption are recommended solutions.
Reports indicate an increase in rabies vaccine administration at AMC health centers, with 7,000-7,500 monthly doses given, up from 5,000-5,500 three years prior. Approximately 20-25% of these cases originate from areas outside AMC limits. While no rabies deaths occurred in 2025, a case was reported in 2024 from an infection acquired in Madhya Pradesh.
