Dogs, cats, soon need to be fitted with microchips
"Lost pet posters may soon be a thing of the past. That's the idea behind a new Montreal bylaw stipulating all cats & dogs over 6 months must be microchipped...
Cats, dogs, & rabbits must also be sterilized...
'We think it's wonderful,' said SPCA spokesperson Anita Kapuscinska. 'Microchips are one of the best ways to be able to find your companion animal...
Kapuscinska also emphasized the importance of sterilization, which she said 'helps counter overpopulation issues & is very beneficial to animals for behavioral & medical reasons.'
A microchip is a small electronic device the size of a grain of rice, which a veterinarian inserts under the animal's skin, on the back near the shoulder blades. The process is relatively painless- 'it's comparable to having your ears pierced,' said Kapuscinska. The chip remains with the animal for life, & is a direct link to its owner.
Chips contain a unique ID number that can be scanned at the SPCA or a veterinary clinic, giving access to owners' contact information.
The SPCA has been outfitting cats & dogs with microchips for years, the cost of which is included in adoption fees...
The regulation will save pets & owners a lot of stress, Kapuscinska believes...
'Animals (with microchips) who come to the shelter as strays are reunited with their owners right away,' she said...'The quicker we're able to reunite a family with a lost animal, the better it is for the animal & the people.'
Kapuscinska spoke of animals being reunited with their owners after years apart thanks to microchips...
Tags are an even quicker way to identify an animal & its owner. For $10, the SPCA engraves tags with the animal's name & owner's phone number. Tags come in various colors, shapes, & sizes.
It's recommended for cats & dogs to be both tagged & microchipped, Kapuscinska said.
'Tags & collars get lost. Microchips never get lost. The 2 together are the best way to protect the animal.'"
T'cha Dunlevy
The Gazette, Montreal
Dec. 16/2019
Cute Critter Pic
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