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LOCAL NEWS
SaturdayNovember212009



x59
Pet microchip mandate to begin in San Marcos
2/11/2009 7:21 PM
By: Russell Wilde

Microchipping keeps pets out of the pound, but pet owners don't want it to become law.  
When Heidi Luna, the Practice Manager at Springtown Veterinary Hospital, passes a chip reader over Bill the cat it beeps.

That means the cat has been implanted with a tiny chip that could tell animal control officers or vets who is his owner.

Dr. Dan Nowland said he's seen pets reunited with their owners.

"If you have a chip in that animal, it can be a life saver, it can save your animal's life," he said.

The city's plan to require all pets to have the rice-sized implant is upsetting some animal owners.

More Information
More information
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For a list of frequently asked questions, click the link.

You can also visit Prevent a Litter's Web site.

To view the opposition's blog, visit www.lmc4sanmarcos.blogspot.com.

Lisa Marie Coppoletta said the chips can harm their animals, and the ordinance takes away their freedom to choose what's best for their pets.

"It's legislating personal responsibility for taking care of your animal," she said.

The San Marcos Animal Services Advisory Board recommended mandating microchips as part of a new animal ordinance that will bring the city into compliance with state laws, and promote responsible pet ownership.

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More Information
Pet Ordinance

News 8's Russell Wilde tells us, while the city council approved the ordinance, it's still creating a lot of debate.



Wednesday after hearing the objections, the board still felt that requiring microchips is the best way to lower the shelter's 75 percent euthanasia rate.

"Microchipping has all the information, and it's under the
skin," Board Member Chad Austin said.

Sharri Boyett has been working for years to reduce the number of pets put down in San Marcos. She said the chips will help
reunite more animals with their owners.

"Microchipping is the ticket home for those animals that can't
identify where they belong," she said.

For cats like Bill, a chip can be the difference between going home and being put to sleep.



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Troubled Waters
News 8's Jenna Hiller explored the troubled waters in Central Texas and traveled down the Colorado River in search of information. Click on the links to watch, read and interact.

Part 1: Regional cooperation drying out
Part 2: Texas rice farmer takes on water wars
Part 3: Security of supply saturates perception
Part 4: Bad news travels near and far
Part 5: Bad news travels near and far

Where does your water come from?

Find what you're looking for at Louis Shanks. We'll make you feel right at home.

For News 8's continuing coverage of the Fort Hood mass shootings visit our Fort Hood Shooting section, watch video from reporters in the field and press conferences with officials, and view our photo galleries: The Day Of The Shootings | The Memorial | The Victims
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