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Hi-tech identification for dogs to be implemented next week
Dogs in Hong Kong will be identified by means of a microchip system administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) starting from next Monday (December 2).
From that date, when dogs are taken to be vaccinated and licensed, a microchip will be injected under the loose skin at the base of the neck between the shoulders.
The microchip will last for the life of the dog. It contains a unique coded number, which will identify the dog when read by a scanner.
"The system is safe, accurate, permanent, tamper-proof and will allow better management and control of dogs," said an AFD senior veterinary officer, Dr Dick Rubira.
"It only causes minor discomfort to the dog at the time of injection of the chip."
He reminded dog keepers that all dogs over five months of age must be licensed.
"Failure to do so constitutes an offence and renders the keeper liable to a fine of up to $10,000," he added.
Dogs can be vaccinated and microchipped at Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) clinics and authorised private veterinary clinics, in addition to government kennels and inoculation centres.
The dog licence is valid for three years. Dr Rubira advised dog owners to ensure that they receive a written copy of the licence.
Those dogs which are currently licensed are not required to be microchipped until their current licence is due for renewal,
They will also be given a plastic tag to place on the dog's collar after vaccination.
A licence fee will be charged. The fee is $70 for dogs vaccinated by a government officer and $40 for those vaccinated by another authorised person, such as a veterinary surgeon, who will also charge an additional fee for their professional services.
Dog keepers must advise AFD of any change of ownership of the dog or their address within five days to ensure records are kept up-to-date.
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