London, June 2002 - The Government has proposed a scheme where every dog, and eventually every cat, to be identified by either a tattoo or microchip. When you hear about an owner's heartache when they have lost their pet or the cruelty inflicted through ignorance or just down right maliciousness do you feel sadness, anger or outrage? Good news for good owners - bad news for those that aren't. Identification means accountability. Here we will discuss micro chipping. The GCCF have stated all stud cats due for registering must be micro chipped before they will register him as entire. No kitten from his mating will be registered if he isn't chipped and breeders will be at risk of becoming fined or struck off for failing to adhere to the rules.
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The dog or cat should feel no more discomfort from a microchip implant than from a conventional injection. Micro chipping uses Radio Frequency (RFID) technology and cannot be tampered with, fade or be removed. The chip is deposited into the fatty area between the shoulder blades. The needle houses the microchip and is therefore larger than a conventional needle, however, a clever design allows it to incise the skin easily with little discomfort.
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THE DEMAND FOR CHIPPING HAS GROWN DRAMATICALLY 
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Taking Cats and dogs abroad is becoming almost commonplace. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS for short) has been in operation for two years and the system is almost becoming smooth! Planning ahead is vital as the process of obtaining a pet passport is not quick, taking an average of 7-8 months. It requires the owner to microchip their dog/cat. (See pet passport page on my website)
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The Pet Passport Scheme already stipulates that all dogs and cats entering the UK must be micro chipped. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has issued a statement that appropriately trained non-veterinarians are allowed to microchip dogs and cats.
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Each Implanter can act as a mini 're-uniting centre'. Using their own scanner and the PetLog database, a quick telephone call could end the misery of someone who has lost a much-loved pet. The good-will generated by such a kind deed will no doubt, be recounted by the thankful owner for years to come.
In June 2004 the GCCF discussed bringing in the rule whereby all stud cats newly registered will have to be Micro chipped. This argument has been put on hold for the moment, however will eventually become a requirement along with Micro chipping Queens and further along the line the possibility of chipping your kittens prior to homing.! |