AUGUSTA - Richmond County is exploring a plan to require cat and dog owners to have a microchip implanted in their pets and licensed, hoping to generate revenue for the county's animal shelter. <br>
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The proposal, endorsed this week by the county's board of health, also would reduce the number of strays sent to the animal shelter and never recovered, officials said. <br>
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Most owners would pay a seven dollars fee per animal, with a maximum of $35 per family. Those who could prove a financial hardship would pay two dollars per animal, up to ten dollars. <br>
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Any pet with a microchip that was captured by animal control also would receive a one-time free exit from the shelter. <br>
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The county has an estimated 104,000 dogs and cats. If only a third of them were registered, the licensing system would generate more than $109,000 a year. In addition, shelter costs would drop an estimated $77,000 annually, with the number of animals also lowered. <br>
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The extra revenue would pay for education campaigns about responsible pet ownership, more animal control trucks and employees and additional low-cost sterilization clinics to spay and neuter pets. <br>
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Cobb County has added microchips to dogs and cats adopted from its shelter since 1998. The chip is placed under the animal's skin, usually in the scruff of the neck, during a minor surgical procedure. <br>
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A lost pet can then be scanned to produce an identification number, which yields the owner's name and contact information.
