Chip or vax? Strays spark debate over control measure | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Stray dogs in the city are to be microchipped under a new govt initiative aimed at tracking vaccination, sterilisation, and aggression—a step authorities say will improve animal management and help control rabies. Animal welfare groups, however, are divided over the move, warning its success will depend on consistent and effective implementation.Jeev Ashray founder Amit Sehgal said, “Stray dogs are part of the city, but society is divided—some want them removed, while others see them as living beings who deserve care. Govt has to find a solution that works for both sides. Microchipping provides that balance. With a proper database, authorities can track which dogs are sterilised, vaccinated, or aggressive. Aggressive animals can be monitored or relocated, while the rest can stay in the community without causing fear. It also prevents duplication in sterilisation and vaccination drives, saving time and resources. Most strays are harmless and with technology, we can manage them humanely instead of relying on outdated methods.”A representative of another NGO added, “Microchipping is a good step, but it must go hand in hand with vaccination and sterilisation, or, dog population and rabies risk will continue.”Experts are raising concerns about implementation. Veterinarian Dr S A Khan said, “Equipping Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres is a better option, as vaccination of dogs can be more feasible for management.” Dr Manish Verma said, “Vaccinating a dog costs around Rs 150, but when done in bulk with community participation, the cost drops below Rs 100. We need to raise awareness among animal lovers and empower them to take direct action, rather than focusing solely on creating a database and implanting tags.“