Greyhounds Australasia (GA) wishes to update industry regarding developments made by its Microchip Working Committee (MCWC).

In order to establish national consistency, and ensure that jurisdictions are prepared for the micro-chipping of all greyhound pups born after 1 January 2011, the MCWC have: 

• recommended rule changes relating to identification of greyhounds, breeding and registration of litters;
• specified the format of the single ear brand; and
• have clarified their local legislative requirements to ensure that the implementation of micro-chipping complements any state or territorial laws.

Jurisdictions have indicated that implanters are to be a mix of industry staff and vets. Where required, jurisdictions are in the process of training and/or receiving accreditation for staff that are to be recognised as microchip implanters.

The nationally consistent method for future ear branding will be a single straight line of five alpha characters in the left ear, beginning first of all with a State code, the 2nd digit will identify the year born, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions alphabetical based on volume. 

State Code 
Year of whelp 
Volume 
Volume 
Volume 
Earbrand 

 N = NSW
 A = 2011 
 A 
 A 
 A 
 NAAAA 

 N = NSW
A = 2011
A
A
 A 
NAAAB

Based on the combinations, it allows a jurisdiction in any 1 year to indentify 17,576 pups
(i.e. 26 by 26 by 26).

Other items currently being addressed by the Committee include:

• Identifying the preferred supplier(s) of microchips;
• Agreement on the distribution methods for the microchips;
• Modifying technology to incorporate microchip numbers;
• Modifying registration certificates and forms; and
• Purchasing scanners.

Greyhounds Australasia Chief Executive Officer, Craig Taberner said:

“The micro-chipping of greyhounds remains on track for a 2011 rollout, with the first group of new born pups expected to be chipped around March.”

“Given the significance of the change we encourage participants to communicate with their Controlling Bodies if they have any questions regarding the pending change.”