City pets are required to be registered around the start of the next year

Meridian, MS - Meridian’s City Council reached a 4-1 vote approving a request from Meridian Animal Control to begin a pet registration process at the beginning of next year.

This registration system will help reunite lost pets with their rightful owner.

Twin States News stopped by Petco to ask local pet owners how they feel about this new requirement.

“I think it’s a good idea to get the lost pets back to their owners, but I feel like pressuring me into doing something to put something into my animal is my decision, not theirs, says Kelly Castor. So, with that being said I feel like a responsible owner should put a tag on their animal themselves. Of course, every pet is going to get out but that’s why they have a collar with a tag on it with their name and number, that way they can get a hold of you.”

Another dog owner, Marcus Nations, says he is uncomfortable with how the Government is forcing this on its citizens.

He also shares his thoughts about putting the microchip into animals.

“I don’t believe I want to have a chip in me, I ain’t going to have it with my dog. I don’t believe anyone should have it with their animals either. If people want to opt in for that, that’s fine, but it ultimately should be a choice.”

Animal Control Supervisor, Brian McCary says having both the collar tag and microchip will help maximize the chance of returning lost pets to their owners, but the locals in the city have mixed feelings about registering their pets at the start of this upcoming year.