RSPCA Calls for Compulsory Microchipping of Dogs and Cats
The RSPCA has called for 2007 to be the year that the SA Government makes microchipping mandatory.
A letter has been sent to Hon Gail Gago MLC advsing of the many benefits of compulsory microchipping for both cats and dogs.
South Australian shelters last year received around 9,000 dogs and cats. Many of these animals had no form of identification.
From 2002 in New South Wales, and as of May this year in Victoria, all dogs (except farm working dogs and greyhounds) must be microchipped and lifetime registered. All cats and kittens that are sold or given away must also be microchipped and registered for life.
In both States, pet owners face a fine of up to $500 if found with an animal that has not been microchipped. Any establishment that sells pets, such as pet shops and breeders will face a $1000 find for selling animals without a microchip.
These are the laws we would like to see in South Australia.
A permanent identification and lifetime registration scheme would greatly assist in returning lost and injured animals to their owners.
It would also provide local Councils with a more effective means of keeping track of dogs and cats for the benefit of the wider community.
Microchipping is an affordable and secure way of identifying South Australian pets and we urge the South Australian public to get behind this cause.
Add comment January 10th, 2007