The road to compulsory microchipping

From April 2016, all dogs in England will have to be microchipped and from May 2015 it will become compulsory in Wales. So, what will the new law mean for veterinary practices? This article provides an update on everything you need to know about the upcoming laws and how they will affect you.

Over 100 000 dogs are stray, lost or stolen each year and local authorities and welfare charities spend approximately £57 million a year in kennelling costs. Over half (52%) of strays cannot be returned because their owners cannot be identified and some 6000 dogs have to be put down each year, because their owner cannot be found.

Since 2009 the Microchipping Alliance, including The Kennel Club, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and the British Veterinary Nursing Association, have worked together to make permanent identification for all dogs.

Both the Welsh and Westminster Governments have committed to introducing the compulsory microchipping of dogs in the next few years. Included in the measures is the requirement for all dogs to be microchipped in order to create a clear link between a dog and its owner.