QUESTION ABOUT ID FOR MINI HORSES

[leonanc]

Has anyone ever checked into a horse being Micro chipped? And why is it that when cats and dogs get there rabies shots they get tags but horses don't?

[MaryKansas]

My filly, Casey, is microchipped. Debi at SevenAcres had that done before we picked her up.

[leonanc]

OK, thanks Marry I did not know if they did that or not. Oh and I just sent you an e-mail.

[MaryKansas]

got the email.....reply on the way!

[Heather T]

We got all of the rabies tags for our horses - you need to check with your vet because I think they have to issue a tag...not sure, but we have always gotten one for each of our horses. I always complain because I don't know what the heck to do with them.

And yes, as Nettie stated, microchipping is done frequently in the minis, and probably the big horses too. Help with tracking them down if they are stolen.

[leonanc]

Thanks bunches, I will have to ask about the rabbies tag for Patrick then. I am going to find out about the micro chiping also. Thanks Heather and Mary.

[Linda]

Could someone please tell me how that works. I've heard of it, but don't quiet understand how it works. Is the owners name and phone number in the chip? If the horse is stolen, and goes up for sale at a sale barn, how do they know it has a microchip? I'm sure there isn't a electronic tracking device, or is there? Gees, I guess I'll have to do some checking on this b/c it sure sounds interesting. My stallions are both pretty small, and would sure hate to loose them, of course the mares too. Thank you in advance for your replies.

[MaryKansas]

Linda...its a number on the chip, not a name. The number is registered with my personal info(name, address, phone numbers) and I'm "assuming" it can be transferred if I was to sell Casey...which I wont!! (Just had to clear that up...lol)

[Linda]

Thank you Mary, Awww it sure sounds like Casey is something very special. email me a pictue some time. I think you have my address.

[MaryKansas]

Linda...I dont think I have your email address, but I'll go over to the Photo section in a few minutes and get a couple pics of Casey and Chrissy posted

[Heather T]

Right - it does absolutely no good to microchip and animal and then not send in the information for registration. Gotta do both.

[twnpnds]

Microchipping is now required in some states for llamas and other livestock. I heard that it will become mandatory in 2009 for all livestock. Though not sure what all that covers. I know that with the cattle industry this will be a way to track the origin of that animal. Farms have to be registered and all cattle microchipped and listed. We have mad cow disease to thank for this. If a cow is found with this disease or any other contagious disease it can then be traced back to the farm it came from and other animals from that farm can then be tested, quarantined, and/or destroyed. Which is a good thing. When taking llamas over state lines, most states require some kind of permanent id. This includes microchips, tattoos, or government ear tags. Most states do allow a picture with a notorized statement saying that's the animal in the picture. The problem with microchips is that if you get stopped you have to have a reader for the microchip in order to show the id of the llama. If you don't have one you could be sitting a while until you find someone with a reader or you may be escorted out of the state. Microchips are a great id tool though and a lot of rescue farms always check for microchips on horses rescued from auctions. I think it should be a law that all auctions check all animals for microchips. If that chip is not listed by the seller or if it is listed on a stolen list then it can't be sold. Many farms that microchip have signs up warning that all animals are microchipped and registered. Microchipping is inexpensive and is easy to do. I have been thinking about microchipping my llamas.

[tinypony]

i've heard a lot about micro chipping (mainly from magaizines, online articles, etc.) but i don't think it's very common up here (rhode island). i don't think i know of any horses around here that have been micro chipped although i think it's a good idea.....

[imromeo]

if the animal is stolen or lost will the chip let you no where it is at or will it just ID the animal if it is found. i dont no much about it but have read something about it but it didnt go in to details. thanks

[MaryKansas]

The chip will have to be read by any vet or rescue shelter that participates in the program. (More and more agencies are getting the equipment) If by chance, my horse was lost or stolen, I would immediately start notifying all shelters and equine vets in the area to be on the lookout for her. It helps to keep current on all pictures, not just face shots, but full body shots and special markings, so that I could send to the agencies as well.