It is often said that we are a nation of dog lovers – my beagle Frisbee and I would certainly agree.
Today (6th April), new laws come into effect making it compulsory for dogs to be microchipped.
One organisation who chip dogs for free is the Dogs Trust. I was pleased to help publicise this scheme in Westminster by standing with their larger than life mascot, Dogcilla, as part of its 145,000 mile tour of the country to let people know about the new microchipping laws.
I was concerned to learn from the Trust that last year, more than 47,500 unclaimed, and sadly unwanted, dogs were left in council kennels across the country. This was because they could not be reunited with their owners.
The Government also expect local authorities and charities, which would otherwise feed and home dogs, to make £33 million in annual savings if the dogs were to be microchipped and returned to their owners.
Figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have shown that more than 80 per cent of dog owners have already complied with the new rules. A microchip means that if one of the 8.5 million dogs registered are found after going missing, they can be reunited with their owner.
When a dog is microchipped, the chip is given a number, which will show up whenever the dog is scanned.
The professional who microchips your dog will also take your contact details. These are kept with the microchip number on the database, so your dog can be returned if it is lost or stolen.
It is the owner’s responsibility for keeping the microchip information up to date (if you move house, for example). Dogs should still wear a collar and tag with your contact details when in a public place.
Owners of dogs without a microchip which are subsequently found by the police or a local authority will be advised of the benefits, and given a short period of time to comply with the law. If they do not, they could be fined up to £500. The Dogs Trust (and some vets) will, of course, microchip dogs for free.
As the Co-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare this is a cause very close to my heart.
For more information, please visit: www.henrysmith.info/campaigns/animal-welfare