Dog owners urged to comply with new law
Vets have launched a campaign to help dog owners understand and comply with a new microchipping law
From Wednesday, April 6, all dogs aged eight weeks and over in the UK will be legally required to have a microchip.
To help dog owners check if their dog has a microchip, vets are increasing awareness of the new law and helping owners understand more about the legal requirements.
Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: ‘In just a few weeks’ time, tens of thousands of dog owners could be breaking the law and facing a fine of up to £500.
‘But pet owners shouldn’t worry about microchipping their pet. It is an easy and simple procedure.
‘A microchip is about the same size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin at the scruff of a dog’s neck.’
The new legislation is designed to prevent illegal breeding of dogs, bring owners to account for a dog’s aggressive behaviour and reunite lost pets with their rightful owners quickly.