Buckley: Against Compulsory Micro chipping of Dogs

The following speech was delivered on the steps of Parliament at 1pm, June 20. The speech accompanied the presentation of a regional petition organised by Waikato Federated Farmers.

The petition, which said, “That the House repeal the legislative requirement to micro-chip dogs,” has 6700 signatures.

Against Compulsory Micro chipping of Dogs
Peter Buckley
President of Waikato Province
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc)
20 June 2006, 1.00pm

Good afternoon everyone. Thank-you to everyone who is here today, and to all those who signed the Waikato Federated Farmers anti-micro-chipping petition.

We have a bone to pick with you. In 2 weeks all new dogs will have to be implanted with a micro chip.

Waikato Federated Farmers has opposed this law since day one. In fact, we have struggled to find anyone that supports this law. Our views are shared by other farmers across the country.

It is a shame that our arguments have been ignored by the government.

This is what brings us to Parliament - to present a petition against the micro chipping of dogs.

It is not only farmers that oppose this law. Over the weekend I stood at our stand and Mystery Creek while queues of people formed to sign the petition.

Two-thirds of dogs are urban and many of the signatures on this petition are from urban people.

Micro chipping dogs will not stop dog attacks.

Micro chipping will only discourage the owners of dangerous dogs from registering their dogs. This will make it more difficult to identify the owners of dogs which attack.

Micro chipping is a waste of money for all dog owners. It will cost dog owners $50-110 per dog.

We have been encouraged by how many councils have stated their disagreement of the law.

Some have indicated that the enforcement the micro chipping will be a low priority. We thank them for their common sense. Micro chipping will also be a great expense for councils.

Waikato Federated Farmers ask the government to accept this petition and take on board the message from the thousands of people who have signed the petition opposing dog chipping.

Thank-you.

ENDS

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