A leading Taiwanese animal rights activist is calling on the government to insert microchips in pet dogs and cats in an effort to tackle the problem of strays. That’s the word from the secretary-general of Taiwan’s Animal Protection Association, Huang Ching-zong, on Monday.
Huang said while Taiwan is set to implement a policy of zero animal euthanasia in 2017, mandatory microchip implants are crucial for enabling authorities to get a handle on the total number of pets and strays.
“First of all, the government must earmark a budget for chip implants and there should be no registration fee," said Huang. "To carry out the plan, neighborhood chiefs or their staff must check the [number of pets owned] by each household. In the meantime, the laws must be revised. [Owners] should face stiff fines if they fail to have chips inserted into their pets even after being encouraged to do so.”
Huang also said that the government must offer medium- and low-income households free neutering services for their pets. As to stray dogs and cats, Huang said a comprehensive program aimed at catching and neutering strays must be put in place.