Australia steps up implantation of Microchip identification Chips
Pastor Dale Morgan
Australia steps up implantation of Microchip identification Chips *
Fran Cleland
September 10, 2009
MORE Australian horses are being microchipped to establish their true
identity.
Owners now believe "chipping" is the only sure way to identify horses,
especially when many breeds - Shetlands, for example - have large
numbers that are black with no white markings.
Any new horse or pony registered with the Equestrian Federation now has
to be chipped.
This follows amendments to the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005, which
provides standards to ensure consistency in microchipping of horses.
Horses can only be microchipped by veterinary practitioners registered
in Victoria who have completed the Australian Veterinary Association
Victorian microchip implementation course.
It is now an offence under to microchip a horse without authorisation.
Changes to legislation for microchipping horses also include: Regulation
of the type of microchip used; Regulation of the implantation procedure
(including documentation); and Record-keeping procedures for licensed
registries.
The legislation does not require mandatory microchipping of horses but
if a horse is microchipped it must be in accordance with the legislation.
Changes came into effect on September 1.
For more information contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186
or visit the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare