21 June 2006

Common Sense Prevails

Federated Farmers is pleased that it has won a partial victory for dog owners, said Don Nicolson, Vice President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

“Farmers will be very pleased that a majority of MPs has seen the sense in exempting working dogs from the compulsory microchipping rules. However it is unfortunate that urban dog owners are still saddled with the extra cost of microchipping for no benefit,” he said.

Federated Farmers has worked tirelessly to convince all MPs that compulsory microchipping will do nothing to improve public safety.

“Microchipping will not stop dog attacks but instead result in more owners choosing not to register their dogs, especially those owned by irresponsible people.”

Federated Farmers thanks all MPs who voted for the exemption, and the groups which have supported the Federation’s campaign, especially the New Zealand Kennel Club and the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trials Association.

“This is a partial victory for common sense. Farmers have reason to celebrate, but urban people are still lumbered with costs for no benefit. We will continue to support the fight against compulsory microchipping,” Mr Nicolson said.

ENDS

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