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Starting June 1, the Japanese government enacted a law requiring that dogs and cats at pet shops and breeders be microchipped. The law was enacted in an effort to help missing pets reunite with their owners and to reduce cases of animals being recklessly abandoned.
The microchip that will be implanted into the pups and kittens is only about two millimeters long, and within the chip is stored a 15-digit number that links up to the owner’s name, address, and contact info. It even allows owners to make pet residence cards in some parts of Japan! If the government’s estimates are correct, over 410,000 pets will be microchipped within the year.
But while the government only had pets’ safety in mind, some thought differently, as voiced by these opinions online.
“Isn’t this a bit off the mark? It doesn’t seem right to force this kind of procedure on living things, even if it’s an act of love. Instead, they should make the punishment for abandonment harsher.”
“I’m scared that abandoning their pets would find a way to forcibly remove the microchip…”
“Does this apply to the pets I already own?”
“I bet people will start arguing people should be microchipped, too.”
The law doesn’t requite that already-owned pets be microchipped, but the government strongly urges everyone’s cooperation. This also seems to apply to cats and dogs up for adoption at shelters or other related organizations. So if you’re planning to own a pet soon in Japan, keep this in mind. In any case, we look forward to seeing how the law actually impacts the number of missing or abandoned pets in the country.
Sources: My Game News Flash via Livedoor News
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-- Cats in Japan can now get digital resident cards in Kanagawa Prefecture
- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2022/06/08/japanese-public-divided-on-new-law-that-requires-microchipping-of-pets/
13 Comments
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dbsaiya
It's a start, but how about laws against breeding, selling and hoarding?
Tabitha Mori
I have two cats. One was mirco-chipped as a kitten from the pet shop 7 years ago. The second cat
was a recuse kitty and he hasn't been mirco-chipped mainly because he is a very shy and doesn't let people near him, and its not worth the stress getting him to the vet to do so. But saying that they both have collars with their names and contact numbers. I was concerned about the mirco chip from the pet shop as I had read an article about birds dying because of incorrectly placed mirco chips.
gaijintraveller
Does the law require vets, hokenjyo (pound) and police stations to have the equipment to scan for chips?
In Britain vets always check cats and dogs for chips. They will not return a pet to the person who took it in if not the owner. A friend in London got her lost cat back as a result.
Chip scanners are not expensive.
GBR48
Pets wander off, they get nicked, they get abandoned. Microchipping is a good, sensible and responsible thing to do, and requiring it by law is no bad thing. It can help highlight abusers of animals and pet farmers. It's cheap too, because it has been used almost everywhere, for years. If you can't afford to chip your fur baby, you won't be able to afford its vet's bills, so maybe buy a goldfish instead.
Chipped, you may get your little furry friend back if it strays or gets stolen and sold on. It's a very good idea for pets.
Eventually the CCP may inject them into their unfortunate victims, but countries that are not dictatorships should be keeping it elective. Traditionally, working girls wore ankle bracelets so that their bodies could be identified, given the risks they take. So some folk may choose to be chipped. It might be a better option than a dog tag for a soldier.
Personally I would like to see pets neutered by law. It might reduce the population of disease-carrying ferals, who often infect domestic cats. You will have some in your garden at night, as they have no problem jumping 6ft+ upwards in pitch dark to navigate fences. I have several passing through my garden past the hogcam each night.
cleo
Yes.
Has he been neutered? If that's a treat still in store for him, you could have him chipped while he's being cut. He'll be anaesthetised so he won't feel a thing. I had all my critters chipped and chopped at the same time.
virusrex
The measure is positive, and it does not need to replace any other that is considered necessary (like harsher punishment or better control of the breeders and shops). If people will not think twice before adopting or buying an animal because now they can be held responsible it something desirable.
englisc aspyrgend
Excellent idea, our dog was chipped as a puppy, it wasn’t then but is now a legal requirement in the UK. As others have said there are so many benefits and it’s simple, easy, cheap and effective. You can still put a name tag on the collar if you wish (it’s a legal requirement for dogs in a public place in the UK).
As cleo said neutering is also a good idea.
ClippetyClop
For some reason this turn of phrase amused me no end, bravo!
TokyoLiving
Great !!..
It is also necessary to increase sterilizations and encourage adoptions to reduce breeding sites..
Paul
No, It isn't!!! It's 13mm long and 2mm in diameter.