Dog lovers welcome microchips

By KATHERINE HOBY

Microchipping is a simple, safe and relatively painfree procedure for a dog - although it can hit an owner hard in the wallet.

But its benefits are great, says Chris Hutchings, vice-president of the Veterinary Association.

"It is a very, very safe procedure," he said. "And once it's done, the benefits will be great for both the dog and the community."

A microchip can be inserted into a dog or cat of any age, and will cost between $65 and $95 at the vet.

Local Government Minister Chris Carter says the chip alone is likely to cost between $12 and $16.

The implant is the size of a grain of rice, and is inserted with a needle between the shoulder blades.

Mr Hutchings said although the needle might seem large, the animal could have some local anaesthetic or have the procedure at the same time as being speyed or neutered under general anaesthetic.

The chip will carry an identification number that can be checked by dog control officers when they pass a scanner over the skin.

A national database will also be set up to track dangerous dogs and to provide more accurate information on the breeds most likely to attack.

Mr Hutchings believed it was crucial that New Zealand had either a national database or interlinking databases.

"In Victoria there are five individual private databases. We need one where a single inquiry will achieve identification."

Owners are already able to microchip their pets, but there is no standard database for information storage.

Compulsory microchipping on cats and dogs was introduced in New South Wales in 1999.

"It has been super successful," Mr Hutchings said.

Animals did not stay unclaimed at pounds for days, and dangerous dogs or those involved in an attack could be identified immediately.

"The New Zealand Vets Association has been wanting this for a long, long time and we are very pleased to see this step forward."

Microchipping has also had strong support from the Kennel Club, dog clubs and breeders.

Kennel Club director George Mills said the club fully supported microchipping.

"On the whole we are happy with the announcement.

"We are pleased our main points have been accepted - education for owners, the need for bigger penalties for severe cases, and not banning breeds in their entirety.

"And we are fully supportive of microchipping."

South Auckland labrador breeder Julie Bradford described the microchipping idea as excellent and also welcomed the new rules as sensible.

"Banning breeds would have just encouraged people to get sneaky and dishonest," she said.

"Microchipping is an excellent idea, though expensive. Perhaps there could be a financial incentive such as reduced registration fees."

The president of the Wellington District German Shepherd Dog Club, Robin Smith, also approved of microchipping - but he did have other criticisms.

"With regard to the american pit bulls - that's like shutting the door after the horse has bolted.

"They should never have been allowed in here."

North Island Bull Terrier Club president Sue McMillan said: "It doesn't go far enough.

"It doesn't target the really bad owners, and I worry about enforcement.

"Microchipping is the way to go as long as owners are prosecuted.

"An education programme for kids is great - hopefully it will lead to better owners in future."