Why Compulsory Microchipping May Work in the US?

Every dog owner in England will have to microchip their animal from 2016 under plans intended to cut a rise in strays.The microchips will be coded with owners’ details, and owners who do not comply could face fines of up to £500.

The Humane Society (HSUS) estimates that between 6 to 8 million companion animals are placed in US shelters each year ,of whom 3 to 4 million get euthanized each year.

At this time, there is no central data reporting agency for animal shelters, so these numbers are estimates; however,the Asilomar Accords method is gaining momentum as a standard for more accurately tracking these numbers. Annual statistics for approximately 150 shelters across the country are posted at asilomaraccords.org.

As UK Environment Secretary says ” It’s ludicrous that in a nation of dog-lovers, thousands of dogs are roaming the streets or stuck in kennels because the owner cannot be tracked down.”

The change in the law will be effective from 6 April 2016.

Any owner whose dog is found without a chip and can be traced by local authorities will have a short period of time to have the dog microchipped.

Compulsory microchipping was introduced in Northern Ireland in April 2012.

But Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine, said the scheme was flawed because many owners did not keep their information up to date.

How can we as pet parents ensure that all data is kept updated-current. on microchips?

There is plenty of evidence to show that compulsory microchipping would effectively tackle welfare issues.

Free microchipping should be offered at all animal shelters within the US.Microchipping should be recognized as a vital part of being a pet parent.

By permanently linking a dog to its owner , animal rescues will be able to swiftly return lost or stolen dogs to their rightful owners and hold neglectful owners accountable for their actions.

A nationwide neutering, microchipping and education initiative should be launched within the US to effectively reduce the number of strays and unwanted dogs across the US and to improve the status of all companion animals.

HSUS Link:

Pet Microchip Database

National Pet Microchip Registration

Microchipping ASPCA