Ted Lieu | Official U.S. House headshot
Ted Lieu | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON – On May 25, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) introduced the Keeping Pets and Families Together Act, legislation to establish a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage the microchipping of dogs and cats in the care of shelters. The bill authorizes $25 million for the USDA to enter into agreements with animal shelters, allowing them to microchip their animals before they are adopted. If they become lost, microchipped animals are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners compared to non-microchipped animals.
“For so many of us, our pets are our family members. When we adopted our rescue dog, Abbot, he instantly became part of the family,” said Congressman Lieu. “He was microchipped so that if we ever got separated, we could be reunited with him. I want other families to have that same sense of security. That’s why I’m pleased to introduce the Keeping Pets and Families Together Act, which will help pets reunite with their owners through the funding of microchipping services in animal shelters. With this legislation, we can help make sure lost pets safely find their way back home.”
According to the American Humane Association, roughly one-third of all pets will become lost at some point in their lifetime, and many of those animals end up in shelters. However, a study by the American Veterinarian Medication Association found that almost three-fourths of all lost or stolen animals with microchips are located and many eventually reunited with their families.
Support for this legislation:
"This legislation would be a huge win for our companion animals, families, and taxpayers. We love our companion animals and if they go missing it can have profoundly detrimental effects on the family and, of course, traumatize the dog or cat, who is often euthanized when the owner cannot be found. Microchipping is a simple, effective and inexpensive solution for reuniting dogs and cats with their families, alleviating burdens on our shelters, and saving our beloved animals' lives."
-Judie Mancuso, Founder and President, Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL)
This legislation is endorsed by: Social Compassion in Legislation, the Animal Welfare Institute, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society Legislative Fund, and the Humane Society of the United States.
READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE BILL HERE
Original source can be found here.
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