1-Chip Solution: New Law to Hold Irresponsible Dog Owners Accountable

Dog owners in Mauritius will soon be required to get their pets microchipped to combat the country’s stray dog problem. The new measure, announced by the director of the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW), Tinagaren Govindasami, aims to hold irresponsible owners accountable and reduce the number of abandoned dogs. Owners who fail to comply or whose dogs are found straying could face fines.

Mandatory Microchipping and Owner Responsibility

The new policy will require an electronic microchip to be inserted into the scruff of a dog’s neck.

Each chip will contain a unique code linked to a digital file with the owner’s name, address, and identity.

This system will allow the MSAW to track dog ownership and hold people accountable for their pets.

Mr. Govindasami stated the move is a matter of collective conscience, forcing owners to take full responsibility for their companions.

“Too many people are irresponsible towards their animals,” he said, adding that the new system “will end the anonymity that feeds this problem.”

Part of a Wider Strategy

The announcement follows a free spaying, neutering, and registration campaign held on Saturday, August 30, organised by the MSAW in collaboration with the Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill Municipal Council.

The event was attended by Minister of Agro-Industry Arvin Boolell and Junior Minister Fabrice David.

Minister Boolell confirmed that mandatory microchipping is part of a broader strategy to manage the canine population, which also includes sterilisation and adoption.

He also noted that registering all qualified veterinarians would help improve animal welfare standards and enhance the monitoring of ongoing campaigns.

The minister praised the close collaboration between the MSAW, the municipality, and animal protection non-governmental organisations (NGOs), calling these partnerships essential for reducing the number of abandoned dogs and improving the lives of those that are adopted.

Innovative Technology for Data Collection

Junior Minister Fabrice David highlighted the importance of having accurate data on the canine population.

He mentioned the upcoming use of innovative technologies, such as drones equipped with thermal cameras, to survey and map the dog population, including in hard-to-reach areas.

These tools will enable more effective targeting of sterilisation campaigns and optimize resource allocation.

The government and the MSAW hope these measures will address the long-standing issue of stray dogs, many of whom suffer from malnutrition, disease, or accidents.

Source: Defi Media