Going forward, from 6 April 2016 all puppies must be microchipped and registered with a microchip database by the time they are 8 weeks old. Anyone who does not have their dog microchipped after 6 April 2016 will have 21 days to have the dog microchipped, and failure to do so may result in a fine. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that contact details for the dog/dogs are kept up to date to ensure a dog can be reunited with its owner in the event that it is lost or stolen.
What does this mean?
- The breeder must always be the first registered keeper on the database.
- No breeder or dog owner may transfer a dog to a new owner until it has been microchipped, and unless a certificate from a veterinary surgeon has been issued regarding the dog's health.
- When a dog is transferred to a new owner, the new owner must, unless the breeder had already done so, record their contact details on an approved microchip database to ensure they comply with the law.
Differences in microchip database in the devolved administrations
Name of dog
England and Wales
- The original name or identification number given to the dog
- The name given to the dog by the keeper, if that is different to the details recorded pursuant to subparagraph (above).
Scotland
- Where applicable, the name or identification number given to the dog.
Requirement to register breeder information
England and Wales
- Where applicable, the fact that the keeper is also the breeder.
Scotland
- Where applicable, the fact that the keeper of the dog is also a breeder.
Requirement to record email address
Present in regulations for Scotland and Wales.
Requirement to record any distinguishing features
Present only in the Welsh regulations.
Requirement to include young animal dealer licence number
Scotland only.
Fines
The same fines apply across all three sets of regulations for dog owners. The fine for someone illegally implanting microchips into dogs is £2500 in Scotland and £500 in England and Wales.
Scotland also has a specific offence (£500) for providing false information to database operators. In England and Wales owners transferring keepership would be in breach if they have provided false information.
Working dogs
There is also a working dog exemption in England and Wales. This does not apply in Scotland where tail docking is banned completely.
In England and Wales in cases where a veterinarian has certified the dog as a working dog and docked its tail in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the time limit for the dog to be microchipped and details recorded with a database is extended to 12 weeks, in such cases the microchip must be implanted by a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse acting under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon. The dog can be passed on to a new keeper once it has been microchipped.
For more information visitwww.chipitcheckit.co.uk to download posters and advice for free