Makati to tag pet dogs

MANILA, Philippines – The Makati City government will soon implant microchips in residents’ pet dogs, Mayor Abigail Binay said Monday.

“I want Makati to be truly rabies-free. Pet dogs will be microchipped upon registration with our city government veterinary office,” she said as she presided over a city development council meeting, the first since she assumed office.

The microchip, which serves as a permanent pet ID, is read by passing a microchip scanner over the pet’s shoulder blades.

Binay said the technology will allow the city veterinarians to identify “pet owners who let their pets roam freely on the streets, where they can bite people or defecate, both of which pose health risks.”