Here is a Controversial Idea.
How about a mandate ALL puppies born are tatooed with an ID number.
Example - using 0 to xxx - 08; 0 to xxx - 09 (depending on year)
Having an ID (eg abcxyz-04) would guarantee ANY dog can be referenced to find any valuable info - ie birth date, pedigree, health history, etc.
The AKC (or better yet, the parent club - ACC for chessies) would issue the numbers after application when a litter is due.
There are many benefits using this system. First, records on health testing
and clearances could be easier to maintain and evaluate. It would provide a "standardized" system. Any or all tests and clearances (eg OFA/CERF)
would become easier to record and track. Second, such a system would allow breeders and clubs to track offspring and the pedigrees of breedings
with more ease. Third, if the numbers were recorded in a central data base,
veterinarians could gain instant access to medical history. Useful if an injured dog is found and transported to animal hospital without knowing who the owner is or if allergic to medications, medications on, health conditions,etc. Fourth, (why I thought this idea) is to gain useful and needed info of dogs that were abandoned, rescued, or adopted. Often a dog is placed or rescued with little or no information of the dog - name, history, medical conditions, date of birth. This lack of knowledge and info can make decisions (medical & other) a 'best guess' and uncertain.
Example, on 7/30/04 I rescued Chelsea. I only know she was from OH. The rescuer thought she was maybe 18 months. A neighbor (vet tech) thought Chelsea was 12 months at most (because size of teeth). However, Chelsea was extremely malnurished. The teeth never grew/developed correctly. It is now 3 1/2 yrs later and her front lower teeth (between the canine teeth) only protrude 1/4 inch through the gums. The first vet Chelsea saw (1 mth after got her) thought maybe she was older (premature greying on muzzle?) at 5-6 yrs old. Her current vet is 'clueless' and cannot estimate.
A system of tatooing would have eliminated the unanswered questions.
A central data bank with an ID number for Chelsea would have given me her DOB, medical history, sire/dam (also why I never tested for DM - not knowing pedigree makes the testing useless for research), and other useful information. Also this system is helpful for locating owners of lost dogs, esp if traveling outside home area or in medical emergencies where the owner is not present or able to answer (eg car accident - both injured).
Controversial. Yes!! But worth considering. Individuals involved in "rescues"
will know the advantages and useful applications. However, this system could be a benefit to all. Even those who buy a puppy and keep it for life
can benefit - emergencies (medical/other) or lost dog while home, traveling
or involved with a venue (hunting, transport to shows, agility, club events) can gain extra security by having such a system in place. It would provide an absolute proof of ownership. (ever lose a dog, call a shelter to inquire if they found/have your lost dog. You say 'he's brown, 65 lbs, this height.' The response is really?? We have several that fit that description.
However, if you say 'ID # CBRabcxyz-04', they can know for sure.
Collars, liciences, tags can be lost or removed. A tatoo is permanent.
What Do You Think?? - Charlie
How about a mandate ALL puppies born are tatooed with an ID number.
Example - using 0 to xxx - 08; 0 to xxx - 09 (depending on year)
Having an ID (eg abcxyz-04) would guarantee ANY dog can be referenced to find any valuable info - ie birth date, pedigree, health history, etc.
The AKC (or better yet, the parent club - ACC for chessies) would issue the numbers after application when a litter is due.
There are many benefits using this system. First, records on health testing
and clearances could be easier to maintain and evaluate. It would provide a "standardized" system. Any or all tests and clearances (eg OFA/CERF)
would become easier to record and track. Second, such a system would allow breeders and clubs to track offspring and the pedigrees of breedings
with more ease. Third, if the numbers were recorded in a central data base,
veterinarians could gain instant access to medical history. Useful if an injured dog is found and transported to animal hospital without knowing who the owner is or if allergic to medications, medications on, health conditions,etc. Fourth, (why I thought this idea) is to gain useful and needed info of dogs that were abandoned, rescued, or adopted. Often a dog is placed or rescued with little or no information of the dog - name, history, medical conditions, date of birth. This lack of knowledge and info can make decisions (medical & other) a 'best guess' and uncertain.
Example, on 7/30/04 I rescued Chelsea. I only know she was from OH. The rescuer thought she was maybe 18 months. A neighbor (vet tech) thought Chelsea was 12 months at most (because size of teeth). However, Chelsea was extremely malnurished. The teeth never grew/developed correctly. It is now 3 1/2 yrs later and her front lower teeth (between the canine teeth) only protrude 1/4 inch through the gums. The first vet Chelsea saw (1 mth after got her) thought maybe she was older (premature greying on muzzle?) at 5-6 yrs old. Her current vet is 'clueless' and cannot estimate.
A system of tatooing would have eliminated the unanswered questions.
A central data bank with an ID number for Chelsea would have given me her DOB, medical history, sire/dam (also why I never tested for DM - not knowing pedigree makes the testing useless for research), and other useful information. Also this system is helpful for locating owners of lost dogs, esp if traveling outside home area or in medical emergencies where the owner is not present or able to answer (eg car accident - both injured).
Controversial. Yes!! But worth considering. Individuals involved in "rescues"
will know the advantages and useful applications. However, this system could be a benefit to all. Even those who buy a puppy and keep it for life
can benefit - emergencies (medical/other) or lost dog while home, traveling
or involved with a venue (hunting, transport to shows, agility, club events) can gain extra security by having such a system in place. It would provide an absolute proof of ownership. (ever lose a dog, call a shelter to inquire if they found/have your lost dog. You say 'he's brown, 65 lbs, this height.' The response is really?? We have several that fit that description.
However, if you say 'ID # CBRabcxyz-04', they can know for sure.
Collars, liciences, tags can be lost or removed. A tatoo is permanent.
What Do You Think?? - Charlie
;-);-)
