Chicago Dogs: Now with Even More Chips

By Joanna Miller in Miscellaneous on Jul 26, 2006 11:00AM

Chicagoist is a big fan of chips – chocolate chips, potato chips, ChiPs – so when we heard that Chicago dogs may soon have to be implanted with indentification microchips, we figured it had to be a good idea.

Alderman Gene Schulter proposed the ordinance, which would also include limits on tethering, stiff fines for unleashed dogs and higher license fees for non-neutered pets. In addition, grooming, boarding and day-care facilities would have to be licensed and meet strict operating standards.

Finally, dogs would be allowed to dine with their owners at sidewalk cafes without the restaurant facing health code violations. We had no idea this was even an issue, but apparently, it is.

Some dog owners are opposed to the microchip requirement and feel they, as responsible dog owners, shouldn’t be forced to microchip their pets. Chicagoist is a fan of responsible dog owners everywhere, but things happen, and even the most responsible owner can lose a pet. Microchipping costs about $40, which, if you own a dog, is not a huge expense. Plus, if you adopt a dog from any of the numerous local organizations, they usually come with a microchip.

We can’t find any reason to disagree with the ordinance, especially if it can save a few dogs from a variety of unpleasant fates. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance today.

The Beast courtesy of T Fish