Aurora pet sterilization, microchip, insurance

[EagleDad]

Something I thought you 204'ers should be ware of.

The city of Aurora is currently considering revising the pet ordinance to include manadatory requirements that your pet be spade or neutered, the pet forced to be implanted with a microchip for identification purposes and that all pet owners carry liability insurance for their pets. All of this at the owners expense.

If you think this idea is as hair-brained as I do (or even if your don't). I encourage you to comment on it at the 9thward website (http://www.9thward.net), or email Alderman Keith directly ([e-mail]) to let him know your thoughts.

Currently the issue is being considered in the "Government Operations Committee" with no input sought from the community.

[wvhsparent]

I would only agree to it if the aldermen and City Officals get implanted 1st....

[EagleDad]

That's a heck of an idea, let's get Weisner upfront, shoot a pellet into his neck, and cut his manberries off.

He's past breeding age, right?

[gatormom]

I think microchipping your dog is a good idea. One of my dogs is microchipped and the other is still recovering from a rare complication caused by her microchip. She developed an abscess and had to have the abscess along with microchip surgically removed, $$$.

I worry this type of ordinance would make more people less likely to be compliant with rabies vaccinations, heart worm, et cetera. If someone cannot afford these extras, they might be afraid that any vet care would lead to discovery they have not microchipped, neutered, or insured their animal.

[EagleDad]

Gatormom, glad you think microchipping is a good idea for your dog.

I think a lot of things are a good idea, but they shouldn't be legislated into law.

I think your concern of people avoiding regular veterinary care as a result are also valid.

Basically, for me it all boils down to this. The city of Aurora has a lot more important things to address. They should be addressing these bigger issues and not legislating these little "feel good" ordinances. Plus I feel that this particular proposal (unlike the "feel good" solicitors ban, watering restrictions, and 25mph speed limit) is just plain wrong.

[gatormom]

eagledad said:

The city of Aurora has a lot more important things to address. They should be addressing these bigger issues and not legislating these little "feel good" ordinances. Plus I feel that this particular proposal (unlike the "feel good" solicitors ban, watering restrictions, and 25mph speed limit) is just plain wrong.

I should have been clearer on that point. I agree with you 100%.

[chicoryowl]

gatormom said:

I think microchipping your dog is a good idea. One of my dogs is microchipped and the other is still recovering from a rare complication caused by her microchip. She developed an abscess and had to have the abscess along with microchip surgically removed, $$$.

I worry this type of ordinance would make more people less likely to be compliant with rabies vaccinations, heart worm, et cetera. If someone cannot afford these extras, they might be afraid that any vet care would lead to discovery they have not microchipped, neutered, or insured their animal.

I'll see your two microchipped animals and raise it to 3. (Although 2 have since passed.) I nearly passed out on the price of having my dog's teeth cleaned so I can only imagine how much it cost to remove an abcess.

I agree that, at best, this may do more harm than good. People who would microchip and neuter their pets will do so regardless of a law. And people who don't bother probably won't be in any hurry to do so now. It'll just create an added burden of liability insurance for some people.

(BTW, I'm not just agreeing with Eagledad so I can keep my "manberries.")

[wvhsparent]

I have 3 dogs....How much does it cost for the microchipping? Is Aurora going to subsidize it?Our dogs only go out on leashes. They are all already spayed/neutered. And I am pretty sure our homeowner's policy covers them.

Can you say unfunded mandate?

[title1parent]

I think responsible pet owners will do what they deem necessary for their pets. I paid a lot of money for my GSD, and he is neutered, microchipped and tatooed. Regarding insurance coverage, since I have what could be considered a "bully breed," I was told by our breeder that attaining Good Canine Citizen level of obedience, through obedience school training, also helps with any insurance issues.

BTW- Now that I graduated, I expect cards in the mail !!! ;D