Microchipping strays: High Court seeks BBMP’s response

The High Court on Tuesday served a notice to the Union of India and other respondents regarding a public interest litigation challenging the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for acquiring and implanting microchip readers in stray dogs across Bengaluru.

Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind, forming a division bench, issued the notice on a petition by Save our Animals Charitable Trust (SOACT), with responses due by December 16. The bench stated “Respondents shall file their replies to the petition by the next date of hearing.”

The petitioner’s advocate contended that BBMP lacked authorisation to issue the RFP. The counsel emphasised that microchipping falls outside BBMP’s authorised activities. The tender for microchip procurement and implantation in stray dogs contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2023, which only permits such procedures for pet dogs, rendering the mandate unlawful.

When the bench enquired about the purpose of dog microchipping, the counsel responded “It is to control stray dogs in Bengaluru.” The bench subsequently remarked “To control stray dogs there should not be any objection.”

The petitioner maintained that BBMP’s bid issuance was unauthorised and illegal. They highlighted the lack of approval from the Animal Welfare Board of India and absence of consultation with the Central Committee. Additionally, they noted that microchip implantation constitutes an invasive procedure not sanctioned by regulations.