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Friday, March 29, 2024

Baguio Suspends Mandatory Dog Chipping

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The city council approved a resolution suspending the implementation of mandatory implanting of microchip on dogs while waiting for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Ordinance 60-2020 to be crafted by the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).

This after a number of dog owners sought an audience with the local legislative members during the regular session on August 24, 2020.

Atty. Duchess Anselmo, a concerned dog owner, questioned the mandatory microchipping as a requisite for a dog’s registration with the CVAO.

“Under section 5 of RA 9482, a dog owner shall have their dogs regularly vaccinated against rabies, maintain a registration card, and submit their dogs for mandatory registration. Section 7 of the same law states that the local government shall ensure that all dogs are properly immunized, registered, and issued a corresponding dog tag for every immunized dog. A microchip is not the same as a dog tag.” Anselmo argued.

Anselmo also disputed the claim that the microchip may help in tracking a stray or wandering dog. She said a microchip does not function as a GPS device where you can trace the pet’s location when lost.

Dog owners claimed that mandatory microchipping is a violation of the owner’s right to decide on what is best for their pets.

Citing a number of studies on microchipping on animals, Escorpizo and Musni underscored a few health risks of microchip implantation on pets such as hair loss, infection, migration, swelling, and tumor among others.

Dr. Brigit Piok, Head of CVAO, explained that only dogs weighing at least 3 kgs and reaching the age of three months and above shall be microchipped and that sick and old dogs shall be spared.

“To ensure safety, the veterinarian will assess the health status of the dogs before they get microchipped,” Piok added.

The CVAO chief also clarified that dog owners are given the option whether the microchip will be implanted under the dog’s skin or placed on its collar.

Councilor Joel Alangsab author of the ordinance pointed out there are other local government units that passed local laws on mandatory pet microchipping such as Muntinlupa City and Santa Cruz, Marinduque, among others.

While stressing that the ordinance has to be implemented since it has gone through the proper procedure, Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, a co-author, said the petitioners’ concerns may be addressed by introducing amendments to the law.

The council, however, clarified that those who would like to have their dogs registered and microchipped may still avail of the said services while the suspension is in place. (Joe Manzano / Jordan G. Habbiling)

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