Microchipping your Dog: A Smart Move to Avoid A Large Fine

By Jadryn Dick From November 1^st dog owners in Western Australia will need to have their dogs microchipped or face up a penalty of up to $5000. With the State Government’s recent amendment to the Dog Act (1976), it is compulsory for all dogs older than three months to be microchipped. Fremantle City Council says a dog must be microchipped before it can be registered. If the animal is caught without a microchip it is considered unregistered and the owner receives a $200 fine. “If a dog owner is being deliberately uncooperative and irresponsible it may be appropriate for the City to consider the use of enforcement action,” said Council’s Chantelle Blight. Dogs can be microchipped at almost any registered vet with the average cost being approximately $60. “It helps to get pets back to their owners,” said Melissa Carrabott at the Animal Protection Society of Western Australia (APSWA). For those who cannot afford the procedure, APSWA is having a dog microchipping day on October 24^th where they will be microchipping dogs for only $25. Melissa says they are helping people understand this needs to be done and it’s as simple as calling up and making an appointment. The procedure involves a microchip the size of a grain of rice being injected between the animal’s shoulder blades and below the neck. It requires no anaesthetic and is virtually pain free. Once injected, the microchip’s barcode is scanned and the animal’s details are registered to the chip. These include the animal’s name, date of birth, address, owner’s name and contact details. For any information regarding microchipping contact your local council or APSWA on 9398 6616.