The City of Las Vegas recently introduced a new law that requires residents to microchip their pets. As of August 1, 2024, most pet owners must have their pets implanted with microchips or face fines. While some might find the new Las Vegas dog microchip ordinance inconvenient, the law should help citizens and visitors throughout the city. To help you understand the new ordinance, the Las Vegas dog bite lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain the law, potential penalties, and how it can help reduce the number of dog attacks.
What Is the New Las Vegas Pet Chip Law?
The new ordinance requires all dogs or cats over the age of four months residing in the city of Las Vegas to have a microchip. The law applies to pet owners and pet breeders. People new to the city have 30 days to get chips installed in their pets. Tourists traveling with their pets and those traveling to Vegas for a show or exhibition will not need to have their pets chipped.
Las Vegas dog microchip services are available at numerous animal hospitals in Clark County. It’s likely that your preferred veterinarian offers this service. After a pet is chipped, the owner’s information is registered with Las Vegas Animal Protection Services.
What Is the Point of the Las Vegas Dog Microchip Ordinance?
There are several reasons why the new law is beneficial to pet owners and everyone else in the city. First, it will allow owners to locate lost pets more easily. In addition to helping an owner find their precious pet quickly, one of the benefits of easy location is that fewer animals will be placed in shelters. Many animal shelters in Las Vegas are overcrowded, which means that many innocent animals are euthanized to make room for healthier and/or younger pets.
From a personal injury law standpoint, pet microchips can potentially lower dog attack incidents.
How Can a Chip Prevent Dog Bite Injuries?
Pets–even those that are typically friendly–can attack for numerous reasons. Some of the reasons dogs may attack include:
- Being in an unfamiliar environment
- Being surrounded by unfamiliar people
- Hunger, after being lost for a long period of time
- Injuries or illnesses suffered while being lost
By helping owners find their pets quickly, the Las Vegas dog chip law can help mitigate the situations listed above.
What Are the Penalties for Not Complying with the Las Vegas Dog Microchip Law?
Some Las Vegas citizens may be surprised by how steep the penalties are for not following the new pet chip law. Failure to do so can result in fines as high as $1,000 and up to 6 months of prison time, or a combination of both. ER Injury Attorneys encourages you to comply with the ordinance for the safety of your pet, to protect your finances, and to protect your freedom.
Contact a Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer
ER Injury Attorneys hopes that the Las Vegas dog microchip ordinance helps pets, pet owners, residents, and visitors alike. Unfortunately, there are times when a dog may attack you due to an owner’s negligence. If you’ve been injured in such an attack, then contact us for a free consultation and we’ll explore your legal options.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form. Our accomplished personal injury attorneys have successfully served dog bite victims throughout Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, and Laughlin. Contact us today and take the first step towards getting the settlement that you deserve.