If your dog is aged over 8 weeks they must now be microchipped. Since April 
6th it has been illegal to own a dog which isn’t.
Owners could face a fine of up to £500 if they do not comply with the new rules. If dogs are identified as not being chipped, owners can be served a notice giving them up to 21 days to get it done.
The change in the law has been introduced to reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, as well as combating illegal puppy farms and deterring dog theft.
Currently more than half of stray dogs cannot be returned as their owners cannot be identified and so they have to be put down. Collars and tags are still required but while these can get caught or removed – microchipping identifies your pet permanently and effectively
It takes seconds to insert the metal chip, which is the size of a grain of rice and contains a code which matches up to the owner’s details on a database. The procedure can be carried out at a vet for a fee.
Barbara Breakwell