Law on microchipping dogs changes today, What everything you need to know.
Did you know that from today, microchipping will be a compulsory law for all dogs in England.
Well don’t worry if you’ve been caught off guard with this news because here I have everything dog owners need to know about the new law.
Why has the law been enforced?
Ultimately, the law has been enforced to enable lost and stray dogs to be reunited with their owners easier.
Currently, lost and stray dogs cost the taxpayer and charities £33 million a year so hopefully this cost will be reduced once the law has been enforced.
The new law means microchips can also connect owners to abused pets so they can be held criminally liable, as well as cracking down on the dog black market.
How does microchipping work?
It may sound like a daunting process, but microchipping is the most painless and simple procedure.
It involves a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice being implanted under the dog’s skin on the back of the neck in a quick procedure.
This gives the dog their own unique code which can be scanned and matched to your contact details if your dog becomes lost or stolen.
Who has to be chipped?
All dogs aged eight weeks and over must be microchipped. You can see information on free microchipping here.
What happens if you get caught without a microchipped dog?
If your dog is caught without a microchip you will have 21 days to get it chipped.
If you do not comply, you face a fine of up to £500 or a conviction.
Worst case scenario, a dog warden may actually seize your dog, have it microchipped in which you will then have to recover the costs.
Remember, you will only ever need your dog microchipped once so best to do it sooner rather than later.
