Microchip scheme 'is unlawful and unfair'
SUPOJ WANCHAROEN
More than 5,000 dogs have been implanted with microchips at Lan Khon Muang under City Hall's pet registration programme. |
A dog owners' group yesterday filed a complaint about the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's dog microchip project. The project was launched by Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin last year under a city regulation which imposes penalties on people who feed stray dogs.
The dog owners, led by Thawin Jongsomjit, petitioned the Administrative Court to annul the mandatory scheme which will be enforced from July 5.
Before that date, up to 50,000 dog owners can acquire free microchips at eight city veterinarian clinics.
The petitioners also requested temporary dispensation until a decision is handed down.
The court accepted the case for consideration.
Microchipping was included in dog ownership regulations introduced in 2005. The regulations were amended last year to make registration through microchipping compulsory.
The scheme is aimed at curbing the population of stray dogs caused by irresponsible dog owners.
The microchip contains information about the pets and their owners. It enables the city to keep track of the animals and should also discourage owners from abandoning their pets.
The plaintiffs' lawyer, Prayud Sanwirat, said the group believed the scheme is unlawful and unfair to dog lovers.
Owners must bear the cost of having a microchip fitted in their dogs, or dogs which they feed regularly. If not, they could be fined up to 5,000 baht.
People who care for strays and feed them in public places are liable to a similar fine, he said.
Former city councillor Boontariga Prasongdee agreed with the petition.
Although the BMA is offering to microchip the first 50,000 dogs for free during the grace period, most dog owners will still have to bear the cost of buying a microchip, which is 300 to 500 baht.
The city has more than 823,000 dogs under the care of 389,000 owners who will be affected by the law.
Hundreds of thousands of stray dogs roam Bangkok streets.
Ms Boontariga said the BMA should provide the microchip implantation service for free.
There are eight regulations under the new laws. Penalties apply for non-compliance, such as a 500-baht fine for failing to collect dog faeces or walking dogs without a leash.
Owners must provide their dog with a suitable living place and prevent it from causing noise or bad smells.
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