Getting microchips right
Summary
A nationally coordinated microchipping system is required to reliably link a microchipped animal to its owner...
Over the past 10 years, the issue of people and pet movement has largely been ignored. The original place of microchipping and data logging is very often not the same place that must endeavour to track an owner via a microchip.
The authors argue that a nationally coordinated microchipping system is required to reliably link a microchipped animal to its owner. Consumers demand nothing less from the use of microchips. The system must accommodate backward compatibility, device performance criteria, registry control and be used across Australia.
It is suggested that the South Australian approach provides a workable solution. This model has a ‘four way system' that includes scanners, microchips, registry and microchipping centres with commercial interests participating within mandatory quality controls.
The paper has a ‘microchipping checklist' that would allow effective operation and desired outcomes to be achieved. It also outlines the Domestic Animal Registry (DAR) protocols. In essence:
- a registry (database) controls microchipping centres, microchips and scanners
- DAR controls the registry
- the state regulatory authority oversees the entire arrangement
- other jurisdictional involvement means it is national and reliable