What you need to know about the new microchip laws
Did you know that from the 6th of April this year it will be a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped if you live in England or Wales? Not only this but you will, by law, have to keep the registered details up to date if you move house, including any change in contact telephone number. Fines of up to £500 may be issued to dog owners not complying with the new law.
Microchipping is in the insertion of a small chip under the animal’s skin, usually the back of the neck. The procedure does not require an anaesthetic and is no more painful than a standard vaccination. This gives the pet their own unique code. If the worst happens and the dog is lost or stolen, the microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details, which are kept on a database. This increases the likelihood that you will be reunited with your dog in these circumstances.
The need for the law comes in an attempt to reduce the number of stray dogs in the UK and ensures that anyone who commits to the responsibility of being a dog owner also accepts the consequences that come with that. For owners who have lost their dog, it will increase the chance of being reuinited, and for owners who no longer can take on the responsibility, it will ensure that they take the right steps to find a new owner.
Scotland is yet to commit to the new laws but has stated that they will monitor the new laws in England. Our team at Petsense Direct completely support these new laws and encourage any of our Scottish customers to make sure their animals are microchipped regardless. If you have any questions about microchipping your pet we recommend you contact your veterinary surgeon for more information.