Target in number of animals with chip application not reached: ‘They will be left on the street’
In the application of chips to animals, as of December 31, 2022, while the deadline has expired, a total of 1 million 429 thousand 370 pets were registered. Secretary General of the Ankara Regional Chamber of Veterinarians said that the average number of cats and dogs owned in Turkey was 6 million and only 25 percent had been given identities.
Those who did not manage to have their friends fitted with chip will be fined 3 thousand 642 liras. As of January 1, 2021, a total of 1 million 429 thousand 370 domestic animals, including 855 thousand 105 cats, 574 thousand 240 dogs and 25 ferrets, were provided with identities during the 2-year period. In addition, declarations were received from 552 thousand 127 animal owners who could not be registered due to problems in obtaining chips and passports. Those who submit declarations will be able to register their animals without incurring fines in the ongoing process. Again, animals adopted from the street will also be chipped without penalty.
THERE ARE 6 MILLION ANIMALS
Secretary General of the Ankara Regional Chamber of Veterinarians, said that the average number of cats and dogs owned in Turkey is 6 million, only 25 percent of them have been identified.
He said, “About 100 thousand cats and 50 thousand dogs have been identified in Ankara. Recently, we have received 50 thousand declarations only in private clinics because we could not provide microchips and passports. Apart from the declarations received by the Ministry, 50 thousand animal lovers could not have microchips installed and left a declaration. It is estimated that there are around 6 million owned cats and dogs in Turkey. Currently, 1.5 million animals have been identified. In other words, about 25 percent of the current owner’s cat and dog have been identified. With the number of people who have submitted declarations, this figure may increase to 30 percent, and 60-70 percent will still not be identified,” he said.
