Ohio lawmakers want protocol to scan microchips in dead dogs, cats

Ohio lawmakers want to enact a protocol for scanning dead dogs and cats found on public roads for microchips and alerting owners to their pet's death.

State Rep. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, sponsored House Bill 379 along with Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton,

“I have three dogs. I know a number of people that have lost animals,” said Lorenz. “That's always a tragic thing. Unfortunately, you know, when they get out sometimes they get hit.”

Lorenz said that putting any procedure out there to ease the hurt of losing a pet will make the process less painful. The bill would give the opportunity to comfort pet owners with definitive knowledge of where their lost pet is.

“I just see all over Powell and Dublin and Westerville missing animal signs,” said Lorenz. “And it would just be helpful if the road crew, since they're out, most of them removing them anyway could take a quick second and scan them for a chip. And then at least try and give that family some closure.”

The cost of removal of the animal is negligible and scanners are inexpensive. Some sell for less than $30.

Lorenz expects support for the bill, but there could be some changes in the specific logistics around claiming deceased animals.

“We may have an amendment here or two, but generally speaking, it's been very well received,” said Lorenz.

How to keep from losing your pet

For owners looking to avoid losing their pets,  Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with Rover, the world's largest pet sitter and dog walker network, has tips.

“There are things we can do trainingwise or preventionwise,” Ellis said. “So whether that's a fence around your yard for those beagles that love to sniff and making sure that they're not going to get away from us, keeping them on a leash, so obviously then they really can't escape (or) practicing door training at your door to prevent those quick escapes.”

House Bill 379 is in the Transportation Committee and had its last hearing in April.

Nfishman@dispatch.com