KUCHING: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) supports microchip implants into licensed dog and sees it as a way to curb the growth of stray population.
MBKS Mayor Datuk James Chan said the microchips would also monitor irresponsible pet owners.
“Under the Local Authorities (Dog Licencing and Control) By-Laws 2018, the council may require that a dog be implanted with any form of electronic identification and data storage device,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, yesterday.
He said if the ruling was implemented by the state government, it would require every pet dog or cat to be implanted with a microchip that contained records of both the dog and its owner.
“This can prevent irresponsible pet owners from abandoning their animals.
“I understand that the state government is studying the proposal of microchips for pet animals like dogs. Perhaps, this can be a holistic way to reduce the number of stray dogs on the streets,” Chan said.
He warned that stray animals would affect the image on Kuching.
“Of course, there is still the need to educate the general public on the importance of neutering their pet dogs and animals,” he added.
He stressed that MBKS was still seeking public cooperation to help adopt healthy stray dogs.
“I believe this would help to reduce the number of stray dogs.
“Dogs are men’s best friends. If you don’t want to raise puppies or dogs, please do not throw them away. Put the puppies up for adoption.”
On Wednesday, Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury Wee said that the state government would make compulsory for microchips, the size of a rice grain, to be implanted in dogs.
It is expected to be implemented by March or April as a pilot project.
