Recently Duma lost her collar. We have not bee able to figure out what she did with it. This got me to thinking more about the microchip implants that some people have placed in their pets to help find them, should they ever be lost. I am always worried about our cats escaping and getting lost, especially when we are out of town. I do not think 2 of them would last very long in the "wild." But I am still struggling with the ethics of it. Is it right to put a implant in your pet so you could locate them if they were ever lost and recovered by animal services or another person? If it is so ok to do this to our pets, why don't people have it done do humans, specifically kids or family members? Who knows, maybe somewhere they do. But why is it ok to do this to "pets" but to not humans? What line is it that people feel is being crossed? This is not to say that I want my future kids, or even John, to be chipped. But I do not see why I would do it to any animal and not take a humans into the same consideration.
Thoughts????
7 comments:
I for one am all for it. I lost a dog in my move to Oregon, 30 years ago. She had spent her whole life with me, and was upset by my disappearance, according to my family. In late May, she just... disappeared. It's the not knowing what happened that has really bothered me.
I can understand your concern with respect to human parity, but (although I feel somewhat differently about people) I don't think humans are exempt. I know I've seen articles about chipping criminals and elderly with dementia (though I read a lot of foreign news, so not necessarily in the US). I think within a generation, it's quite possible many countries will chip newborns.
It's a brave new world; I think you're right to question and even to be troubled. But it's irreversible. An animal that can't look after itself deserves that extra chance, I think.
Also, ask your vet's opinion, and find another to talk to who won't benefit from the procedure.
That is sad. I am sorry you lost your dog :(
You have valid, good points. My vet is all for it. I just can't make my mind up :(
Do they still have the tattoo program in place? I know since the mid 80's family members with pets have had them tattooed. Though, really, I think the same concerns are valid.
Not sure? I agree though, the pet can't make a choice so I would not make them get a tattoo. But then again I guess they do not get to choose to live with us either, which might be just as painful ;)
Actually, my cat was a feral kitten that has adopted me- she does choose to live with me! (I have to admit it was a couple of years effort on my part to convince her.) She has gone walkabout several times over the last few years- simply disappearing for 4-7 days. It's distressing to me, but she's come back every time... so far. :)
I believe both my dogs have chips and if I had my way so would my daughter. :-)
I don't blame you. If we have a daughter we will probably put a chip in her too ;)
Post a Comment