The Environment Ministry drafted an ordinance Thursday to require potentially dangerous pets, including snapping turtles, pythons and spiders, to have microchips implanted so their owners can find them easily if they get loose or are set free.
The measure, which will cover 650 dangerous species, is aimed at making owners of exotic pets more responsible for their animals in the wake of recent cases across the country in which pet crocodiles and pythons have escaped or were discarded.
The ordinance, which is based on the revised animal protection law, will be formally approved as early as next spring after receiving comments by experts and the public.
Animals subject to the rule include serval cats, crocodiles and bears. Redback spiders, which are poisonous, and other species are also to be added to the list.
The tube-shaped microchip, which is 1 cm long and 2 mm in diameter, will contain owner information and will be implanted under the skin of the animals.
For pets that are too small or old to get implants, owners will have to submit a photo of the critter to their prefectural government and display a license authorizing them to keep it.
The measure also requires online and mail-order dealers of animals to check whether animals are diseased before selling them to prevent the spread of illness.
