(MY) Microchip may be

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Microchip for dogs may be a must - New Straits Times

 

KUALA LUMPUR - 9.1.06.

--

Microchip implants in pet dogs could become compulsory in 2008 if City

Hall has its way in amending current laws over animal licensing.

 

" If a dog runs away, or if other individuals claim ownership of a dog

that is not theirs, this is where the microchip can be enormously

helpful, " said Dr Norhayati Shaari, head of City Hall's Vector and

Pests unit.

 

The microchip implant costs RM18, plus RM10 for the veterinarian's

service in injecting the chip. An annual RM10 licence fee will also be

levied for registration purposes.

 

Norhayati said since the launch of the programme in April last year,

131 microchips had been inserted into dogs.

 

Most of the dog owners who have participated were from the Internet

dog community portal website, www.puppy. com.my.

 

Khoo Boo Gee, general manager of Hileytech Sdn Bhd, which operates the

website, says that at least 50 members have signed up for the

microchip plan since the launch of the programme last month.

 

" We have 13,500 members on our forum. Although only 50 have signed up

so far, we expect the numbers to grow, " he said.

 

Norhayati believes that microchips offer more than just identification

of stray dogs or missing pets.

 

" In the case of dog attacks, some owners refuse to acknowledge

ownership of the animal but with a microchip there will be

accountability, " she said.

 

Norhayati and Khoo were speaking at the 3rd Malaysia K9 Day 2006,

organised by puppy.com.my and sponsored by Purina PetCare (Malaysia)

Sdn Bhd at Central Park, Bandar Utama today.

 

City Hall officially launched their dog microchipping campaign, which

is expected to continue until the end of 2007.

 

Malaysia K9 Day was launched as an annual event by the Deputy Youth

and Sports Minister in 2004.