Permanent Identification

Policy:  PAC believes that one element of responsible ownership of dogs and cats is their permanent identification, preferably by microchip.  The ability to easily identify a lost or stray animal enables their rapid and safe return to their owner, minimising the distress caused.

Background:  Almost 100,000 dogs are picked up as strays by local authorities every year, whereas the numbers of stray cats is not documented but is likely to be significant.  For dogs, only half are identifiable and can be returned to their owners.  Almost 6,000 are euthanased every year because no home can be found for them.  Permanent identification by microchip would enable many more to be returned.

Permanent identification would also assist in identifying the owner where allegations of cruelty are being investigated as the owner is legally always responsible for an animal’s welfare.