National figures show more than one million dogs in the United Kingdom do not have a pet which has been microchipped, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
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All dogs must be microchipped by law by April 6, 2016 and your most current contact details have to be linked to that chip and registered to an approved database.
Lost and stray dogs cost the taxpayer and charities £33m a year so a microchip makes it much easier to reunite a dog with its owner.
Your dog will be fitted with a microchip the size of a grain of rice under its skin between the shoulder blades. If we come across an unchipped dog in the course of our work we may offer advice or take action.
Lat year, 40 per cent of stray dogs that ended up in The Mayhew were not microchipped and of those that were 35pc did not have the owners’ updated contact details.
To help you avoid a fine, we’ve compiled a handy guide of everything you need to know.
A Southampton veterinary nurse, who did not want to be named, said: “I think it is a good law, as long as the details of the owner are up-to-date”.
“We believe farmers and working shepherds are likely to be disproportionately impacted by this regulation, as they tend to have more dogs than most pet owners”.
The rule-change will be welcomed by the vast majority of non dog owners and dog owners alike.
“It is vital that the microchip details are kept up to date”.
Where do I get my dog microchipped?
Any owner in England and Wales whose dog is found to be without a microchip faces a £500 fine unless they fit one within 21 days.
Dogs can be microchipped at Dogs Trust centres, vets or by the council’s dog welfare team for £15.
Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder, Councillor Sandra Hawke, said: “I urge dog owners to contact the Council and make use of this free service if their pet hasn’t already been microchipped”.
Dog owner and local MP, Therese Coffey said: “Microchipping for our canine chums means dogs can quickly be reunited with their owner and prevents dogs from having to be unnecessarily put down”.
You can also find out where you can get your pet microchipped by visiting www.petlog.org.uk and entering your postcode.
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Coun Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Compulsory microchipping for dogs will tackle reckless ownership and help save councils vast sums of taxpayers’ cash looking after strays”.
