Shelters must scan for microchips, twice
Springfield, Ill. - Animals tken into custody by animal-control officers or shelters in Illinois must now be scanned for microchips or checked for other identification within 24 hours, according to a new law that takes effect Jan. 12, 2012.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Animals taken into custody by animal-control officers or shelters in Illinois must now be scanned for microchips or checked for other identification within 24 hours, according to a new law that takes effect Jan. 12, 2012.
Senate Bill 1637 requires animal-control officers or pounds to check for microchips, tattoos, rabies tags or other identification tags within 24 hours of intake. Detailed requirements for notifying owners or caretakers are included in the bill. Animals must also be scanned a second time for any microchips or identification prior to being transferred to another humane shelter, rescue organization or euthanized.
The bill was signed into law Aug. 3.
