Walking On Volume 5, Issue 8, August 2018 | Page 10

Industry Info American Horse Council to Build Universal Equine Microchip Look-Up Tool Through the American Horse Council’s (AHC) work with the United States Department of Agricul- ture, the United States Animal Health Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to An- imals (ASPCA), and various equine organizations, we have identified the need for a universal equine micro- chip look-up tool to coordinate and streamline horse identification across multiple breeds. A universal microchip look-up tool would provide a single source where the general public and various organizations and emergency re- sponse teams could find the identity of a horse or the registry with which the microchip number is associated. “Technology and public opinion have finally aligned to allow micro- chipping to become an efficient aid when identifying horses.  Microchips are a safe and effective form of identi- ty for sale, competition, or emergency response. We hope that by simplify- ing the method with which the public can verify a horse’s identity, we can incentivize the country to look into microchipping their horses,” stated AHC President Julie Broadway. AHC has partnered with The Jock- ey Club Technology Services to build the look-up tool, and we are inviting all registries that collect and store equine microchip data to collaborate with us. The success of this effort will depend on its universality with all equine organizations. The ingestion of microchip data from the various organizations will be based on a well-defined process that will be as simple as possible to complete. “AHC would like to thank the ASPCA for a generous grant to make the microchip look-up tool possible,” Broadway said. “The creation of the Equine Mi- crochip Look-up Tool is a vital step to reaching the ASPCA’s goal of ensur- ing all equines have good welfare,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of ASPCA Equine Welfare. “The tool will not only help reunite horses with their owners during natural disasters, but it will also help to facilitate the growth of safety net programs where individuals who have owned, cared for or admired a horse can sign up to help that horse should he ever become at risk.”  The timeline for launch is fourth quarter 2018. Details to follow. The Walking On B ulletin B oard! Attire / Tack Awards Advertise your farm or business. 30 words - text only - $40 for one year • 30 words with photo or logo - $75 for one year. (phone, email & website do not count toward 30 word limit) Don’t miss out on this affordable advertising opportunity. Email [email protected] to place your ad today! 10 • Walking On