Mandatory Microchipping and large fines

[Bev]

in Indiana? That's what is being proposed, plus more. Even if you comply with the identification, beware signs, and kenneling requirements, expect to pay several hundred dollars per year to have your beagles (if you're like most of us and have 6 - 8+ intact dogs. Count in your kids' Lhasa Apso and your wife's Schnauzer, too.

They've tried to get this and other bills like it passed, and they will get this thru one of these days when our back is turned. I would suggest all states see what's on the books and see what's on the agenda.

This will be cross-posted (moved) to the Legislative forum. If you reply to this post, it will appear there.

Here's the link:

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3124

...and here's what it says:

Mandatory Microchipping and Fees Proposed in Indiana

[Thursday, February 01, 2007]
Indiana House Bill 1719, introduced by Representative Bardon, seeks to require that all dogs over six months of age be microchipped, that a new state-run microchip registry be developed, that owners of intact dogs be assessed a $50 annual fee, and that "Beware of Dog" signs be put up for every intact dog. If passed and signed into law, the changes imposed by this bill would have a detrimental impact on dog breeders in Indiana. It is vitally important that breeders and dog owners contact their representative and the committee chairman to express their opposition.

As part of the American Kennel Club's ongoing efforts to promote responsible dog ownership, we encourage dog owners to properly identify their pets. We believe, however, that the final decision about identification—whether by collar, tattoo or microchip—should be made by the owner, not the government. The AKC also supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the right of responsible breeders and owners. Imposing financial sanctions on owners of dogs not spayed or neutered is an ineffective solution to animal control problems because it fails to address the heart of the issue—irresponsible ownership. These laws are extremely difficult to enforce and can be evaded by irresponsible animal owners who will purposefully not comply with this bill's provisions. This proposal will unfairly punish responsible owners who are already complying with local animal control laws, while irresponsible owners will continue to make problems for the community and local shelters.

For example, the proposed set of laws would require:

* All dogs over six months of age be microchipped with a state-sanctioned chip.


* All microchip data be stored in a state-run registry.


* All owners of dogs not spayed or neutered be assessed a $50 per year per dog fee.


* All owners of dogs not spayed or neutered to post a sign for each dog saying "Beware of Dog" and containing a warning symbol for children.


* Violators of any of these requirements be subject to a $500 fine.

What You Can Do:

Contact the members of the Indiana House Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures who will consider this bill. (For those legislators listed without e-mail addresses, go here.)

Representative Scott Pelath, Chair
Indiana House of Representatives
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)

Representative Russ Stilwell, Vice Chair
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)

Representative Terri Austin
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)

Representative Earl Harris
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)

Representative Robert Kuzman
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)

Representative Denny Oxley
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)

Representative Matt Whetstone
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)
h40@IN.gov

Representative Randy L. Borror
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)
h84@IN.gov

Representative Ralph Foley
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)
h47@IN.gov

Representative P. Eric Turner
1-800-382-9842 (from anywhere within Indiana)
H32@IN.gov

To find your legislators, click here.
http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/

For more information, contact AKC's Canine Legislation Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail at doglaw@akc.org.

[SilverZuk]

That is an amazing piece of garbage.

I guess it would be like everything else. It would apply to people like me, but not to the meth head that has a dozen or so dogs living around his place, breeding freely, chasing everything, and in poor condition.

[TC]

The numero uno reason AKC is promoting such junk is because they have vested interest in micro chiping and vested interest in the home again program. If they didn't have any interest in that program they would be fighting this legislation and would open their eyes to what is going on. They keep it up and they will PROMOTE them selves out of a job and end up with out any dogs to register because no one will be able to afford to have a pet little lone a breeding pair..

[coolbrze]

If I'm not mistaken, I doubt it will pass. Just seems like a rediculous law to me. 1/2 the people in my county don't even have dog registration tags, and they want to make microchipping mandatory out there?!