KUCHING, September 1: Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian is looking to table a bill in the November State Legislative Assembly sitting to monitor dog ownership through pet microchip implants.
The Local Government and Housing Minister said he had planned to introduce the bill in the last sitting in July, but decided to give way to other ministers to raise more urgent matters such as the native customary rights (NCR) land issue.
“I hope to do it for this DUN (State Legislative Assembly sitting). This is to control strays that result from irresponsible dumping of pets.
“With microchip implants, we can identify who are the rightful owners of the stray animals and let the owners be more responsible and accountable in taking care of their own dogs,” Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president said.
He believed such a step was crucial, especially during the rabies outbreak, where the state is fighting the spread of the deadly disease.
The next DUN sitting will convene from Nov 5-15.
Pet microchips are not tracking devices but radio-frequency identification implants that provides permanent identity for pets. As the device is not for tracking, it does not require a power source like a global positioning devices. — DayakDaily
