Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Copeland launches bid to scrap farm dog microchipping

United Future MP Gordon Copeland announced today that he will sponsor a Supplementary Order Paper to the Local Government Omnibus Bill to stop microchipping of farm-dogs.

"I asked the Minster of Agriculture, Jim Anderton, if he would support an SOP to stop dog-chipping. When he refused, it was clear to me that I had no option but to launch this SOP myself," said Mr Copeland.

"Microchipping of farm dogs is simply a nuisance that helps no-one and will not stop any more dog attacks.

"As I said earlier this morning, the microchipping of working dogs will prove to be another inconvenience and unnecessary cost to farmers, who are already up to their necks in legislation and red tape.

"I had hopes that Jim Anderton would help farmers with this SOP as he had already taken the concerns of Federated Farmers to Cabinet. However, I'm sure his rural constituents appreciate the willingness to reconsider the issue Minister Anderton displayed.

"With this SOP, I'm looking to the farmer-friendly parties of National, ACT, Maori and New Zealand First to support farmers and block microchipping of dogs," said Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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