Henry Smith MP has met with the Dogs Trust to raise awareness of new microchipping laws coming into effect on 6th April 2016.
Henry said;
“I was delighted to meet the Dogs Trust’s larger than life mascot Dogcilla in Westminster, as part of a 145,942 mile nationwide tour to tell people about the new dog microchipping laws which come into effect on Wednesday, 6th April.
“Every year over 100,000 dogs are picked up off the street, after being stolen or having strayed. New microchipping laws starting next week mean that they’ll have a far greater chance of being reunited with their families.”
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have confirmed that 83 per cent of dog owners have already complied with the new rules, which ensure that if one of the 8.5 million dogs registered are found after going missing, they can be reunited with their owner.
Owners of dogs found by the police or local authorities which do not have a microchip will have the benefits explained to them, and will be given a short period to comply with the microchipping law. If they do not, they could face a fine of up to £500. Organisations including the Dogs Trust, as well as some vets and some local authorities, will microchip dogs for free.
Henry is also working alongside the Dogs Trust on their campaign against puppy smuggling.
The Dogs Trust’s November 2014 investigative report, The Puppy Smuggling Scandal, focused on puppies travelling into Britain under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). Changes to the scheme were announced in December 2014:
- A new minimum age of 12 weeks before a pet can be vaccinated against rabies
- A new laminated pet passport, including details of the vet who issued the passport
- The introduction of non-discriminatory checks by member states across the EU
- A tighter definition of non-commercial movement which means that owners unable to accompany their pet on its journey must travel within five days of the pet’s movement
The Dogs Trust undertook a second investigation, between March and June 2015, in Lithuania and Romania, which found:
- Ineffective border controls and enforcement of PETS at British ports, with no requirement on enforcers to carry out even a basic sight check on the animal being imported
- Breeders and dealers supplying puppies under 15 weeks of age – the legal age at which puppies can be moved between member states – with dates of birth simply faked on pet passports
- Vets in both countries falsifying data on pet passports for PETS
- Puppies bred in horrendous conditions
- Puppies advertised for sale online with no reference to their country of origin
- The Dogs Trust demonstrated the ongoing ease with which dogs can enter the country unchecked, by successfully bringing a microchipped stuffed toy with fake paperwork into the UK from mainland Europe on three occasions.
Henry continued;
“The Dogs Trust have uncovered some concerning findings regarding the ability to smuggle puppies into the UK.
“I welcome their efforts on this issue, and I look forward to working with them as part of my commitment to improving animal welfare.”
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of the Dogs Trust, added;
“Exploitation of the Pet Travel Scheme for commercial gain is resulting in serious animal welfare concerns, including the very real possibility of zoonotic diseases entering the country.
“Dogs Trust is continuing to work to tackle this problem and welcomes Henry’s support and work to raise awareness of this issue amongst unsuspecting prospective owners looking to add a puppy to their family.”