20 August,2026 09:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The new QR-coded reflective collars are expected to provide a more durable and systematic method of identification. Pic/ BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched QR-coded reflective collars for vaccinated and sterilised stray dogs, aiming to improve their identification, digital registration and tracking across Mumbai.
The initiative is part of the civic body's broader efforts towards making Mumbai rabies-free by 2030 and strengthening technology-based monitoring of stray dog management, an official statement said.
The BMC signed an agreement with the Ridlan AI Foundation at the civic headquarters on Thursday, August 20, to introduce the QR-coded reflective collars.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special) Vinayak Vispute, Veterinary Health Department head Dr Kalimpasha Pathan and Ridlan AI Foundation's Akshay Ridlan, along with officials and staff from the veterinary department, were present during the signing.
According to the officials, the Mumbai civic body conducts large-scale anti-rabies vaccination drives for stray dogs every year. Until now, vaccinated dogs were identified using coloured ink and other temporary markings.
However, such markings can fade or disappear over time, making it difficult for civic teams to establish whether a dog has already been vaccinated or sterilised.
The new QR-coded reflective collars are expected to provide a more durable and systematic method of identification.
Through the QR tag, information recorded about an individual dog can be accessed in accordance with applicable data access protocols.
The digital system will allow civic authorities and authorised stakeholders to monitor a dog's vaccination, sterilisation and health interventions more effectively.
The BMC said the system could help prevent unnecessary repetition of procedures, identify gaps in vaccination and sterilisation coverage and improve field-level monitoring.
It could also facilitate better coordination between the civic body, animal welfare organisations, veterinary teams and other agencies involved in stray dog management.
The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and the leadership of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lavangare.
The BMC said its stray dog management programme includes Animal Birth Control (ABC), anti-rabies vaccination and other rabies prevention measures, in addition to initiatives being undertaken in accordance with Supreme Court directions on animal welfare.
The civic body is increasingly using digital information systems to strengthen field-level monitoring as it works towards its goal of making Mumbai rabies-free by 2030.
The BMC said the digital database could eventually become an important resource for Mumbai's long-term rabies elimination strategy.
Accurate and updated information on vaccinated and sterilised dogs could help authorities identify areas requiring further intervention and improve follow-up measures.
The civic administration also highlighted the public health significance of the initiative, saying better coordination between animal welfare and public health systems could strengthen efforts to reduce human deaths caused by rabies transmitted by dogs.
