Media Release
17 July 2006

Waitakere owners take up council’s $20 microchipping

Microchipping of dogs may be a low priority in Auckland but not in Waitakere with either the council or, significantly, dog owners.

In the first two weeks of July, more than 200 Waitakere dog owners voluntarily took up the council’s offer of microchipping their dogs for $20.

The dog owners agree with the Council’s position that microchipping will not prevent dog attacks but there are real benefits largely been overlooked in recent publicity,” says Councillor Vanessa Neeson, Chairman of the council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee.

“US studies have shown that with positive ID available, the time microchipped animals spend in an animal shelter before being re-united with their owner can be measured in hours rather than days. This lowers the cost both to the ratepayer and the dog owner,” she says.

“Microchipping also solves the problem of identifying stolen dogs. Too often in the past, identifying stolen dogs has been frustrated by the lack of evidence. Microchipping provides positive proof of the identity of the true owner, and dog theft cases can now been pursued through the courts,” says Cr Neeson.

Animal Welfare Waitakere has trained its officers to microchip dogs (which can be done at the Animal Welfare Centre, The Concourse, Henderson), for as little as $20. This is a one time cost for the life of a dog, a small amount for the owner if the dog gets lost just once in its lifetim

ENDS

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