India, Oct. 6 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to implant microchips in 25,000 stray dogs in their jurisdiction on a trial basis, said officials on Monday.

According to the PMC veterinary department officials, the microchips will be the size of a grain of rice. It will help track the movement, vaccination status and population of stray dogs in the city through a mobile application.

As per the latest stray dog population census carried out by the civic body in May 2023, the estimated (stray) canine population has reduced from 315,000 in 2018 to 179,940 in 2023. The 34 newly merged villages in the municipal limit have around 1.50 lakh stray dog population.

Dr Sarika Funde-Bhosale, chief veterinary officer, PMC, said, "...