Dear Cob-Web
I take on board what you say but there are alternatives - DNA is not the only option.
Tattoos are a prerequisite of owning a pet in much of Europe, along side the chip. The UK choose not to accept the merits of Tattoos stating ears will be chopped off - something that is often done with retired Greyhounds. I have also been told by Defra that they don't accept them becoz they fade - surgical spirit will always bring up their tattoo number when applied.
The statistics I gave were only for PPS dogs - I have met cocker breeders who have chipped all their pups before rehoming only to be told one month later no chip reading was available. Dog owners within the UK cannot rely on microchipping as a responsible and fail safe way of safe guarding their animals (pets) from theft, straying and identification. It costs less to DNA an animal than chip it - it costs less to Tattoo an animal than chip it. I took my bitch Millie to four vets to have her scanned believing the scan machines may have been faulty!!!!! What was faulty was the chip
There have been numerous cases of dog knapping in recent years
- especially pedigree dogs - why therefore are not more basic and secure measures being offered to protect US and THEM?
This is a contentious issue for me - I will confess - but it is an unnecessary issue for any animal lover/owner to have to go through
. £15 is the cost of DNA - totally fullproof - with demand increased this cost would come down. I have spoken with the labs that conduct these tests and they would do the DNA check (at time of loss/find) for a nominal fee. Do you believe animal owners would not be willing to pay this to be reunited with their pet? The insurers already cover for advertising etc.,. this is a small price to pay. Sorry if I am lambasting, Millie (the one with the broken chip) goes for surgery tomorrow and I am a bit anxious. I just want protection for ALL pets.
Lorna
