Mandatory microchipping in Australia?

Queensland, one of the largest states in Australia, has introduced a bill that would make it mandatory for dogs and cats to be registered and microchipped.

More than 13,000 cats and 10,000 dogs are euthanized in Queensland each year. Local Government Minister Warren Pitt thinks the proposed legislation will help with the euthanization problem:

"Our plan to address this problem is based on the principle of responsible ownership, and it will ensure that all owners take responsibility for cats and dogs in their care."

A similar bill was introduced in the New York legislature in early 2007.