Grimbergen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Grimbergen urges residents to verify and update pet microchip data to reduce the number of lost animals ending up in shelters, promoting responsible ownership.
The police are unable to locate the owner of a missing animal since the data is frequently inaccurate or lacking.
“Then the animals have to go to the shelter, and we want to avoid that,”
says alderman Ewoud De Meyer (N-VA Grimbergen), Belgium.
An identification chip, a unique number to recognize your pet, is mandatory for pets. But often the data is incorrect or incomplete.
“It happens more often that the police find a lost animal with incorrect data on the chip,”
says alderman De Meyer.
“Then we are forced to take the animal to the shelter. That leads to a lot of administrative hassle to get the pet back to the owner.”
That is why the municipality is calling for checking the data via checkjechip.be.
“We are calling in an animal shelter for those who do not have a card reader,”
says De Meyer.
“We are starting with cats, because for them the animal shelter has to come to the house. We also know how sensitive cats are to stress. If the data is incorrect, the owners of the animal can have it updated.”
The action for cats runs from June 7 to 20.
“In the fall, we will provide something similar for dogs at the annual fair,”
says the alderman for Animal Welfare.
“That way, we increase the chance of keeping lost animals out of the shelter.”
How does checking pet chip data help keep animals out of shelter?
By facilitating prompt identification and reunion with their owners in the event that a pet is lost, checking pet microchip data helps keep animals out of shelters.
Staff members check for a microchip when an animal is brought to a shelter or vet office; if the chip contains current, correct contact information, they can quickly get in touch with the owner to make arrangements for the pet’s return.
The possibility that lost pets will be reunited with their families rather than ending up in shelters or finding new homes is greatly increased by this procedure.
Microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be reclaimed, and microchipped cats are even more likely to be returned to their owners than non-microchipped animals, according to studies.
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
