All dogs in England must be fitted with microchips by 2016

[struggle4progress]

RAPHAEL SATTER
LONDON — The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, Feb. 06 2013, 9:32 AM EST
Last updated Wednesday, Feb. 06 2013, 9:36 AM EST

... Britain's Environment Department said that the chips would help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, promote animal welfare and take the pressure off animal shelters.

“It's a shame that in a nation of dog lovers, thousands of dogs are roaming the streets or stuck in kennels because the owner cannot be tracked down,” Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said in a statement. “Microchipping is a simple solution that gives peace of mind to owners.”

Many British pet owners already have veterinarians insert chips under the skin of dogs, cats, and rabbits in a bid to keep track of their animals. The Environment Department says 60 per cent of Britain's 8 million pet dogs already have microchips, which can be scanned and matched to their owners' details.

But officials say what was once an optional extra will become mandatory in three years. Owners who refuse to fit their dogs with chips face fines of up to 500 pounds ($800) ...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/all-dogs-in-england-must-be-fitted-with-microchips-by-2016/article8288076/

[phantom power]

1. The Mark On The Beast

[flamin lib]

2. OH MY GOD!!1!1 THEY'RE COMING TO TAKE OUR DOGS1!!!11nt

[Smilo]

3. Coming to America

real soon - after all it is a great way to make money.

[blkmusclmachine]

4. First the pets, then the pet owners.

Give it 5 years.