www.esryle.comLOCAL NEWS ACROSS THE NATION
Posted on 07/27/2004 7:52:59 AM PDT by esryle
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) Veterinarians say a new law requiring dogs that injure someone to get microchips has gotten little use because most dogs involved in vicious attacks are euthanized.
Microchips are used in thousands of animals to identify them if they are stolen or run away from home.
"I think every pet should be microchipped because it takes an unidentifiable piece of property and makes it identifiable," said Heather Steyn, a veterinarian at Fort Collins Animal Hospital.
The small chip is implanted between the dog's shoulder blades and encoded with a unique and unalterable identification number that can be read by a scanner.
Lawmakers said the markers will provide a permanent identification for the animals nationwide.
"A big problem is identifying dogs that are repeat offenders," said state Sen. Steve Johnson, a Fort Collins Republican and veterinarian, who sponsored the bill that took effect on July 1.
"If a dog bites, a lot of people just move to another county. Then they'll bite again, and the owner will deny that it is the same dog. We could never prove it," Johnson said.
Rigo Neira, director of animal protection and field services at the Larimer Humane Society, said vicious dogs are punished by an animal control court, and most are euthanized after an attack.
Under the new law, owners must pay a $50 fee to the state Bureau of Animal Protection for the upkeep of the dangerous dog registry and then pay for the dog's microchip implantation.
Typical cost for implanting a microchip is between $35 and $50, in addition to a one-time registration fee of $12.50.
Similar dangerous dog laws have been used in Minnesota, Virginia, Illinois and New York.
"A law won't prevent a bite or attack; only responsible pet owners will," Johnson said. "By microchipping, we create a higher level of responsibility for these pet owners and encourage them to act appropriately with their dog. This should really be our goal."
Save one for Hitlery!!!
The chips will be implanted into the dogs' incisors, so that when the sink into HUMAN flesh, an alarm will be activated..
Hmmm... Where have I heard that before?
Exactly
Soon adults will be required to have one ... just wait and see. Of course it will be for good "compassionate" reasons. Isn't that the way it ALWAYS is?
"Vicious Dogs To Get Microchips"
I thought this was a James Carville story.
I thought this meant that the sales department was getting PCs.
Vicious dogs should get a round between the eyes.
As the lady points out in the third paragraph, it is a good idea for all pets to have this done. Our dogs have this and it gives us some piece of mind knowing that if either of them ends up at a shelter they will not be put down. As I understand it, all shelters have the device needed to read the microchip number and if one is read, they must contact the service that monitors these numbers, who in turn will get in touch with the owners.
The process is painless since the microchip is extremely small (it's inserted with a needle).
My family's cat had one of these almost a decade ago. Cat didn't mind a bit.
Anyone who thinks this will be mandated for humans, ask yourself when is the last time people were required to wear a collar and tag? This is just a tag that doesn't come off.
They're almost Stepfordish as it is.
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