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