Notice To All Dog Owners - Compulsory Microchipping.

As of 6th April 2016 Not only do dogs require a pet identification tag when in a public place but also it is now a requirement for all dogs to be chipped and registered to their keeper. criminal prosecution and a £500 fine could be issued to those not complying.

Please see the government information bellow including exemptions to the compulsory microchipping...

Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 – new laws that we made in February 2015 – it will be compulsory for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks in England to be fitted with microchips from 6 April 2016.

Dogs will need to be microchipped and registered with their keepers’ contact details. All keepers, including breeders, must keep these details up to date. The only exemption from the requirement is where a vet has certified in writing that a dog is unfit to be microchipped.

Before the new requirements come into effect, pet owners or keepers can get their dogs microchipped free of charge in a number of places. Many vets also offer free microchipping as do other animal welfare organisations and some local authorities.

Once the new rules come into effect, if a dog without a microchip comes to the attention of the authorities, its keeper may be served with a notice requiring the dog to be microchipped, and may face criminal prosecution and a £500 fine if they do not comply with the notice.

Anyone breeding dogs will be responsible for microchipping their puppies before they sell or give them to new keepers. All imported dogs will need to have a microchip. Breeders will be required to register their own details and these will be recorded against the microchip for the life of the dog.

PS Pet Tags welcomes the new legislation. Compulsory microchipping can only aid in keeping our beloved pets safe.

The following is a list from the Dogs Trust highlighting the new legislation's benefits to dog welfare...

Microchipping also has a number of other welfare benefits, including:

• All puppies are traceable to their breeder thereby helping reduce the problem of puppy farming and lessening the incidence of infectious disease and inherited defects from which many of these dogs suffer
• Deterrent to dog theft
• Allows for rapid return, meaning that local authorities are able to emphasise to the dog owners concerned that straying is not acceptable, the intention being that this education will lessen the likelihood of a dog straying again and reinforce the responsibilities of the owners under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Easier identification and subsequent arrests of owners culpable of animal cruelty
• Enables veterinary surgeons to contact dog owners for emergency procedures
• Allows identification of dogs in properties in emergency situations so that dogs and owners can be moved and reunited more quickly.