Microchip Reader Defined; Contacting Owner of Microchipped Pet

  1. Law
  2. Georgia Code
  3. Animals
  4. Animal Protection
  5. General Provisions
  6. Microchip Reader Defined; Contacting Owner of Microchipped Pet

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  1. As used in this Code section, the term "microchip reader" means a device designed to read microchips at 125 kHz, both encrypted and nonencrypted, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz, and which is ISO 11784 and 11785 compliant.
  2. When any dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as a household pet is brought to an animal shelter or other facility operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, or abandoned animals, the operator of the facility shall, if the owner of the animal is not known, within 24 hours or as soon as possible scan for the presence of an identifying microchip through the use of a microchip reader. If a microchip is found, the operator shall make a reasonable effort to contact the owner of the animal. Prior to euthanizing a dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as a household pet, any facility referred to in this subsection shall again scan for the presence of an identifying microchip through the use of a microchip reader.
  3. Shelters and facilities and their employees and the Department of Agriculture shall not be liable for failing to detect a microchip or failing to contact the owner of the animal. Shelter personnel shall not be required to scan any animal they deem to be too vicious or dangerous to permit safe handling.

(Code 1981, §4-11-5.2, enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 806, § 1/HB 1106.)


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