Every dog owner in England will have to microchip their animal from 2016 under plans intended to cut a rise in strays.The microchips will be coded with owners’ details, and owners who do not comply could face fines of up to £500.
The change in the law will be effective from 6 April 2016.
Any owner whose dog is found without a chip and can be traced by local authorities will have a short period of time to have the dog microchipped.
Compulsory microchipping was introduced in Northern Ireland in April 2012.
But Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine, said the scheme was flawed because many owners did not keep their information up to date.
Free microchipping should be offered at all animal shelters within the US.Microchipping should be recognized as a vital part of being a pet parent.
By permanently linking a dog to its owner , animal rescues will be able to swiftly return lost or stolen dogs to their rightful owners and hold neglectful owners accountable for their actions.
A nationwide neutering, microchipping and education initiative should be launched within the US to effectively reduce the number of strays and unwanted dogs across the US and to improve the status of all companion animals.
National Pet Microchip Registration
Claudia Bensimoun
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