Reacting to overtly alarmist correspondence by Anthony Zarb (TMIS, 29 May) on the possible health hazards posed by microchips in dogs, the following is in order.

The public should rest assured that today’s advanced technology in the field of electronic IDs of animals including microchips in dogs is completely innocuous to the recipient animal.

The material used, which is protein-coated, is such that no allergic reaction is caused and once properly inserted under the skin it serves its purpose well.

Any references to earlier electronic tags where grounds for suspicion may have existed do no longer hold water now! Instead of alarming the public without any cause, the advantages of this identification system, which has recently been introduced also in Malta and is mandatory, should be supported.

Readers would do well to refer to the www literature for truly objective reports on microchips that are used for farm animals such as swine, cattle, sheep, horses, cats and dogs by the millions worldwide and without risk.

The other alternative forms of IDs for dogs as suggested by Mr Zarb such as a tag on collar or tattoo are way too easy to tamper with.

Dr Mario Spiteri

Director General

Rural Development and Aquaculture Department