Sheep dog triallists join protest against micro-chipping farm dogs
Posted at 6:30am on 21 Feb 2006
Sheep dog triallists have joined the clamour of protest against micro-chipping farm dogs, saying they have already experienced the technology and do not want a bar of it.
Farmers are opposed to working dogs being included in a law due to take effect in July that requires all dogs registered from that time to have an identification micro-chip implanted.
They say it is an unnecessary expense that will do nothing to prevent attacks from uncontrolled dogs.
Sheep Dog Trial Association president, Selwyn Dorward, says the group ran into problems last year after having to implant micro-chips in dogs competing in world championships in Ireland.
He says one dog was rejected from the competition as the micro-chip could not be read properly following damage.
Federated Farmers still holds out hope that the Government will agree to exempt working dogs from micro-chipping before the new law takes effect.
However, the Veterinary Association, a strong advocate of micro-chipping all dogs, says exempting farm dogs would not work in New Zealand.
Copyright © 2006 Radio New Zealand
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/bulletins/radionz/200602210629/f9fb0e
Sheep dog triallists have joined the clamour of protest against micro-chipping farm dogs, saying they have already experienced the technology and do not want a bar of it.
Farmers are opposed to working dogs being included in a law due to take effect in July that requires all dogs registered from that time to have an identification micro-chip implanted.
They say it is an unnecessary expense that will do nothing to prevent attacks from uncontrolled dogs.
Sheep Dog Trial Association president, Selwyn Dorward, says the group ran into problems last year after having to implant micro-chips in dogs competing in world championships in Ireland.
He says one dog was rejected from the competition as the micro-chip could not be read properly following damage.
Federated Farmers still holds out hope that the Government will agree to exempt working dogs from micro-chipping before the new law takes effect.
However, the Veterinary Association, a strong advocate of micro-chipping all dogs, says exempting farm dogs would not work in New Zealand.
Copyright © 2006 Radio New Zealand
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/bulletins/radionz/200602210629/f9fb0e
rudkla - 20. Feb, 22:13
