If there is right now one good way

to deter pet abandonment, what would that be?

* Microchipping of all pets, which holds owners accountable in the event that a pet is found on the streets.

If there is right now one good way to deter indiscriminate breeding, what would that be?

* Implementing a strict criteria for those applying for a licence to breed animals and conduct regular checks.

- In a trade where live animals are involved, this is the least the authorities can do to ensure a decent measure of protection for the animals, an organisation formed with the responsibility to promote animal welfare.


Recalling some of AVA's proposals early in 2006:

Proposal 1 – Implement mandatory microchipping for all new dogs licensed.
This is proposed for identification purposes. The microchip is a more reliable method for identifying dogs and tracing them than conventional methods such as tags and tattoos. A microchip contains no batteries or chemicals and has an active life of up to 25 years. It cannot get lost like tag, does not fade and is not easily removed. Currently, only imported dogs are microchipped. The AVA proposes to microchip all newly licensed dogs so that both imported and locally bred dogs are microchipped. This move would encourage responsible pet ownership, deter abandonment and help reduce strays.

(*NOTE: this still leaves a loop hole for dogs bred on breeding farms/backyards but NOT licenced)

Proposal 3 – Implement group licences for farms with breeding dogs.
Currently, all breeding dogs on dog farms are not licensed. Farm operators take up a farm licence only. AVA proposes to license all farm dogs for better traceability and accountability of dogs on these farms. AVA intends to introduce group licence fees for breeding dogs, rather than license them individually at $70/yr for unsterilised dogs. The group licence fee structure is as follows for farms with: More than 300 dogs: $3,500/yr. 100-300 dogs: $1,700/yr Less than 100 dogs: $650/yr

Proposal 5 – Require licensing of dogs at point of sale.
Currently, dogs at pet shops and breeding farms are not licensed when sold. Surveys show that 70% puppies sold are not licensed even 2 months after purchase. To address this weakness, AVA proposes that the licensee of the pet shop or dog breeding farm be responsible for the licensing of the dog for the new owner. The licence fee will be borne by the new owner.

Proposal 6 – Require dog breeding farms to take up pet shop licences.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, all premises selling pets need to be licensed. Currently, dog farms take up a farm licence which does not regulate the sale of pets. There is therefore inconsistent practice standards between pups sold at pet shops and those sold at farms. It is necessary for dog farms which also sell pups to take up a separate pet shop licence so that the standards for the commercial sale of pets can be harmonised. This includes requiring puppies to be vaccinated twice, the last vaccination given at least 2 weeks before the sale and submitting monthly returns on the sale of dogs and particulars of the respective owners. This will further help tighten the dog licensing system and enhance traceability.