Compulsory Micro-chipping

Chipping in to help lost pets from May 1 2007

If the loss of a pet is due to escape during a thunderstorm, a hole in the fence or being new to an area, there is always a lingering question about what happened, where is it now, is it alive, is it being treated well?

Collars and registration discs may help in reducing the number of unidentified animals presented at Shelters. The truth is however that very few animals arrive at Shelters with such identification.

RSPCA Chief Veterinarian Dr Chris Thurgood says the only “foolproof” method of permanently identifying animals is by using the implantation of microchips. A microchip, which is as large as a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin, using a needle. It is implanted in the base of the neck and forward of the shoulder blade. Each microchip contains a unique number, which can be obtained using a scanner.

Every year enormous numbers of cats and dogs are handed into our animal shelters. The actual number varies throughout our statewide shelter network and is counted in the tens of thousands. The vast majority of them have no method of identification that enables the owners to be notified of their animals’ circumstances

One of the more traumatic family events is the loss of a beloved pet.

From May 1 2007 the State Government has legislated that it will be compulsory to have all newly registered dogs and cats microchipped. The owners will have to provide proof that their animals have been microchipped when obtaining registration with their local council.

The fact that owners will need to provide proof of microchipping at the time of registration with their local council will be a major factor in the increased compliance of owners to this new requirement.

This initiative, which is strongly supported by the RSPCA, should have a very positive effect in identifying lost animals presented at our Shelters.

Many local councils are actively encouraging residents to get their animals microchipped in advance of the May 2007 deadline. Some Councils are organising Microchipping Days within their municipalities.

The RSPCA is offering Microchipping at $25.00 at our Burwood East & Peninsula Veterinary Clinics.

Compulsory microchipping will mean that if a pet becomes separated from its owner and lands in a pound or shelter, its owner can be quickly contacted. This will reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters and in turn reduce the euthanasia rate for animals that are unable to find a new home.