Animal Services asks for more time to study microchipping

The city’s Animal Services Office has asked for a little more time executing a resolution that asked all “pet animals” to be microchipped. The resolution, which was approved by City Council in June, also directed the city manager to “ensure that all Animal Protection Officers and vehicles, all Austin Police Stations, all Austin Fire Stations, all Austin Recreation Centers, and all Austin Public Libraries are outfitted with microchip scanners” and train employees to use them. In addition, the resolution called for a review of the Animal Services Office policies, practices and processes to ensure that they do not limit microchipping. In a Nov. 20 memo, Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland wrote that his department “has evaluated the current free microchip measures, ensured that all police, fire, and recreation centers are outfitted with microchip scanners, and reviewed policies and practices that could potentially limit the application of the microchipping program. ASO is working with the Law department to assess additional information needed to meet the requirements of the Resolution.” However, he said, more time would be needed to complete the work and an update will be provided on Jan. 31.