Free Microchipping for Dogs Ahead of Change in Law

Dog owners are being encouraged to take advantage of a free microchipping service ahead of a change in legislation that comes into effect over the coming weeks.

The full part of the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 Act will be in force from 6 April, which will ensure that it is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of eight weeks old to be microchipped. All breeders will also have to microchip their puppies before transferring ownership. This includes accidental litters and all breeds including crossbreeds.

The habitual keeper of the dog will also be responsible for ensuring that all details on the microchip are correct and up to date.

Microchipping increases the chance of lost or stolen dogs being returned to their owners and all stray dogs picked up by Swindon Borough Council are scanned for a microchip.

Last year the council picked up 81 strays which were microchipped, but, in 57 of those cases the details were out of date and not all of the dogs could be returned to their owners.

Despite the change in legislation, dogs will still need to wear a collar and tag that states the name and address of the owner when in a public place. This is a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Order 1992.

To assist owners to comply with the new law, the Dogs Trust are working with participating local vets to provide a free microchipping service until the end of March 2015. This means it is completely free for owners to have their dogs microchipped before this date.

The vets offering the free service are Drove Vets (01793 522483), Thameswood (01793 526780) and Lawn Vets (01793 644422).

Other vets such as Eastcott Vets (01793 528341), Shaw Vets (01793 881919), Companion Care (01793 836700) and Vets Klinic (01793 876619) also have their own schemes and information on microchipping.

Alison Waine, Environmental Protection Officer – Animals, said: “We would encourage all owners to get their pets microchipped as soon as possible rather than waiting for the law to change.

“We have reunited several dogs that had been stolen or missing for some time with happy owners due to their microchip.”

For more information on microchipping and participating vets in the area see www.chipmydog.org.uk