Microchip dog tags delayed by red tape
CONCERNS over the delay in implementing electronic registration for dogs - where a microchip the size of a rice grain is inserted under the skin of the animal's neck - have been raised again after another attack yesterday.
The Economic Services Branch is still finalising the legislative amendments allowing for the hi-tech system's introduction which may not be until after April - 15 months late.
Canine experts are concerned over the delays, saying the system - which holds the owner's name and address - was promised in January last year. They say countless dogs are being put down and attacks on people are continuing 'unnecessarily'.
A 57-year-old man was bitten on the right arm in Fung Tak Estate, Wong Tai Sin, about 11 am yesterday by a 36-kilogram, metre-high dog.
He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with deep cuts to the hand and forearm. Police were searching for the dog's owners last night.
The microchip system allows police and officers from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department to identify the owners of dogs involved in an attack and check its vaccination history.
The registration was to commence compulsorily last January but was changed to mid-1995 due to delays in tendering of the equipment.
The system has been delayed further as the branch decides whether or not to introduce licensing fees to help pay for it.
Principal Assistant Secretary (Economic Services), Eric Johnson, admitted the amendment had not proceeded as quickly as intended due to 'other priorities'.
'But we are still considering the level of fees for recovering the costs of the microchipping,' he said.
'Once we have decided on the fees then we can take it forward from there. At the moment licences are free and we think this might be the opportunity to introduce a charge to recover costs.' Executive officer of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Doreen Davies, said she found no excuse for the lengthy delays.
'I know these things do need to be thought through but I really don't see why it is taking so long,' Ms Davies said.
Nelson Lam of the Hong Kong Kennel Club, called for the system to be set up as soon as possible for both the benefit of dogs and the public.
'With the microchip system we could trace the owners of these dogs that bite and take immediate action,' Mr Lam said.
