A recent article in the Telegraph talks about making micro chipping and registering a pet mandatory in the UK.
The assumption in this article is that it will help reduce the number of strays and the cost of boarding and euthanizing them. There is no denying that the popularity of pit bull breeds has increased their numbers at animal control facilities and shelters. Many of them have been raised to be protective, and there is slim possibility of adoption.
Too many times, an owner who can no longer assume responsibility for a pet will let it loose. An identification in place could identify the owner thus discouraging this behavior. However, the requirement would have to be affordable and monitored as is a rabies program.
There are several sides to this argument. Would it encourage illegitimate and non professional breeders further underground? Would it stop the practice of pet abondonment? How would it be enforced? Does the problem warrant this solution? Let us know what you think.
The assumption in this article is that it will help reduce the number of strays and the cost of boarding and euthanizing them. There is no denying that the popularity of pit bull breeds has increased their numbers at animal control facilities and shelters. Many of them have been raised to be protective, and there is slim possibility of adoption.
Too many times, an owner who can no longer assume responsibility for a pet will let it loose. An identification in place could identify the owner thus discouraging this behavior. However, the requirement would have to be affordable and monitored as is a rabies program.
There are several sides to this argument. Would it encourage illegitimate and non professional breeders further underground? Would it stop the practice of pet abondonment? How would it be enforced? Does the problem warrant this solution? Let us know what you think.
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