RFID Tags to Keep Tamil Nadu’s Stray Dog Issues in Check

To tackle the growing concerns posed by the increasing stray dog population, the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) has proposed issuing 240,000 RFID tags to microchip stray dogs—previously, microchipping was only advised for pets.

Starting in October, the board plans to launch a statewide drive for sterilisation and mass rabies vaccination, especially targeting regions outside Chennai. This campaign will be carried out in collaboration with all local administrative bodies—corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats.

To boost capacity for sterilisation and immunisation, TNAWB intends to establish 38 new Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centres with shelter facilities, each accommodating up to 100 dogs. Additionally, there are plans to create 100 more ABC centres without shelters, dedicated solely to sterilising and vaccinating stray dogs.

Each RFID microchip will carry a unique ID containing vital information such as breed, location, sterilisation status, and rabies vaccination record.

The Tamil Nadu Livestock Development Agency (TNLDA) has already begun procuring necessary supplies—including RFID microchips and readers, reflective collars, and an integrated software system for monitoring stray dogs across all ABC centres.

In total, 138 ABC centres are slated for the state, with 38 centres (one per district) offering shelter facilities to accommodate injured, aggressive, sick, or otherwise vulnerable dogs.