Circular to Veterinary Surgeons - Division of Local Government ...

2The Australian Standard for microchip readers is currently being developed and should comeinto effect in the first half of 1999. It is based on the International Standards Organisation (ISO)standard. Implanters in NSW will be required to comply with the Australian Standard. However,all existing microchip systems currently in use in Australia will be recognised for thelifetime of that animal.Accreditation of Microchip ImplantersIt is proposed that all registered veterinary surgeons in NSW will be approved. Others, such ascouncils or animal welfare organisations, will be required by the new Regulation (see below) tohave appropriate training and be approved. The new Regulation will define the procedure to beused for implantation of a microchip, for example that prior to insertion of a chip, the implantermust first scan the animal with a reader or readers to assess whether a chip has already beenimplanted in the animal. Veterinarians will be issued with further advice as to the exactrequirements for microchipping once the Regulation has been passed.Implanters will be required to submit information about the animal and owner to a central point– the Companion Animals Register. Owners are responsible for ensuring that the Register isnotified of changes to this information such as change of address or death of an animal. TheAct provides penalties for failure to do this.Registering Companion Animals with the CouncilCompanion animals are required by the Act to be registered once only for the lifetime of theanimal from six months of age. Animals must be permanently identified (microchipped) beforethey can be registered. The Act allows for a discount in relation to de-sexed animals (see Feesbelow). However, it is strongly encouraged that animals are microchipped and registered at thesame time. This will mean that desexing and microchipping at 12 weeks of age followed byregistration will be the preferred option.FeesIt is anticipated that lifetime registration fees will be in the region of $100 for an entire animal,$35 for a desexed animal, $35 for an entire animal owned by a recognised breeder and $15 fora desexed animal owned by a pensioner. Owners will therefore need some sort ofdocumentation from their veterinarian that their animal has been desexed. Fees and chargesassociated with microchip implantation will not be regulated under the Act.Dangerous dogs and nuisance animalsThe Act provides for declaration of a dog as ‘dangerous’. People may also be disqualified fromowning a dog. Councils have the authority to issue nuisance orders for dogs or cats requiringthat the owner prevent anti-social behaviours such as the animal making a noise or damagingproperty.New Regulation for commentDetails of administration of the new system will not be finalised until a second Regulation ismade. The Regulatory Impact Statement outlining what is proposed is due for release shortly.Copies will be available from your local council, library or from the Department’s web site atwww.dlg.nsw.gov.au.Further Information Copies of the Companion Animals Act and Regulation are available from the GovernmentInformation Service for $8.40 per copy, ph 02 97437200 or from the web site at www.austlii.edu.au Updated copies of the Frequently Asked Questions about the Companion Animals Act will availablefrom your local council or from the Department’s web pages at www.dlg.nsw.gov.auDr Rebecca Larkin, Executive Officer Companion Animals Advisory Board, Department of LocalGovernment - 02 97930822