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Associated Press - March 17, 2010 2:04 PM ET
ATLANTA (AP) - Shelters must scan animals for a microchip before euthanizing them under legislation that cleared the House unanimously.
The bill requires the shelter to try to find a microchip in animals when they are brought in. If one is detected, officials must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner.
For dogs, cats and other animals traditionally kept as household pets, shelter officials must again scan for a chip before putting the pet down.
Some owners place microchips in their pets in case they run away.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Gene Maddox, a Cairo Republican who's also a veterinarian.
Maddox said Wednesday that the companies that make scanners will donate them to local shelters so there won't be a cost.
H.B. 1106: http://www.legis,ga.gov
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