Media statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Copeland: Microchipping decision shortsighted

United Future MP Gordon Copeland has accused the Government of being shortsighted over its unwillingness to consider an exemption of farm dogs from microchipping as of 1 July 2006.

Mr Copeland said, "The microchipping of working dogs will prove to be another inconvenience and unnecessary cost to farmers who are already up to their necks in legislation and red tape.

"Although we support the intentions of the Government to protect people from dangerous dogs, it is ridiculous to have 'one law for all dogs' when it is obvious that the circumstances of dog ownership vary considerably across the country."

According to Mr Copeland, rural working dogs serve a completely different function and live completely different lives from urban and pet dogs.

"I appreciate the efforts of the Minister of Agriculture, Jim Anderton, to get this issue re-examined and for that he should be congratulated.

"However the Prime Minister's comment that Cabinet wasn't of the mind to attempt to amend legislation which is coming into effect in three months' time is a poor excuse," concluded Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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