The proposed law regarding the compulsory chipping and registration of dogs and cats has sparked a debate among stakeholders in the animal welfare community. While the intention behind the law is to ensure better identification and accountability for pet owners, there are concerns raised by individuals like Leszek Świętalski, the director of the Office of the Association of Rural Municipalities of the Republic of Poland (ZGWRP).
In a recent interview with the business editorial team of TVN24, Świętalski expressed his reservations about the Key Register of Dogs and Cats (KROPiK) project. He acknowledged the importance of the initiative but highlighted some key differences from the initial proposals put forth by the ministry, making it challenging for full acceptance.
One of the major points of contention for Świętalski is the provision that mandates chipping only for newly born dogs. He argues that this approach would mean it could take up to 20 years for all dogs in the country to be chipped, leaving room for continued abandonment and neglect of animals. This, he believes, would place the burden on non-pet owners and society at large, without holding irresponsible pet owners accountable.
Additionally, Świętalski disagrees with the requirement for registration and marking to be done at the time of the first vaccination of the animal. He suggests that this process should occur earlier, ideally within three months of the animal’s birth, to ensure timely identification and tracking of pets.
Furthermore, the director of ZGWRP is against allowing pet owners to interfere with the chipping process. He raises concerns about the ease with which microchips can be removed, potentially leading to misidentification or loss of traceability for the animals. This, he argues, could undermine the effectiveness of the entire registration and chipping system.
The debate surrounding the KROPiK project highlights the complexities and challenges of implementing regulations aimed at improving animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. While the goal of the law is commendable, it is essential to address the concerns and feedback from stakeholders like Świętalski to ensure that the final legislation is practical, effective, and beneficial for both pets and their owners.