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NAIA Trust believes that voluntary microchipping of pet dogs is a key to helping stray dogs get back home. We also note that the microchips used in the US do not meet the international standard used by other countries, a factor that could make it more difficult to return lost dogs to their owners. Therefore, NAIA Trust supports adoption of a uniform system of chips and scanners.
Pet microchips have been available for more than 20 years, yet fewer than five percent of America’s 164 million dogs and cats are identified with microchips. Three types of microchips are currently used in the US – 134 kHz, 125 kHz and encrypted 125 kHz. No scanner can read all three types of chips, a point of frustration for many shelters, veterinarians and pet owners.
The report accompanying the 2006 agriculture appropriations bill now pending in the US Congress includes:
“Microchip identification of pets — The Committee supports the microchipping of pets for identification under the universal 134 kHz International Standards Organization (ISO) system of open microchip technology in which all scanners can read all chips. The Committee directs APHIS to develop the appropriate regulations to implement the universal 134.2 kHz ISO system, and to report to Congress within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act on progress toward that end.” 1
NAIA Trust supports adoption of a national standard for a 134.2 kHz ISO microchip system, because such a system:
- allows more competition among microchip companies and could result in lower costs and more pets with microchips.
- eliminates current US incompatibility problems
- requires development of a scanner that can read all chips currently in use; and
- continues a voluntary system that allows ongoing protection for pets implanted with 125 kHz microchips.
- The US has already adopted the ISO standard for microchipping wildlife, fish, zoo animals, and livestock. It makes sense that microchips used for pets should follow suit.
NAIA Trust recognizes that chips can only work if shelters and veterinarians scan lost pets and pet owners maintain accurate information on file with the chip registry. Even with standardized technology, owners should be aware of local shelter policies in regard to scanning for chips and should encourage shelters to scan all incoming dogs and cats.
The Farm Appropriations Bill has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is in conference committee to iron out the differences. Following this procedure, both the House and the Senate will vote on the conference report and send the bill to the President for his signature. NAIA Trust encourages contacts with senators, representatives, and President Bush in support of the microchip provision in the bill.
Note:
Microchip language in the 2006 Agricultural Appropriations Bill can be found on page 40 of the report at this link: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_reports&docid=f:hr102.109.pdf
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