microchipping

Across the week in which the new compulsory microchipping law came into force – stating all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must be chipped with up to date details by 6 April – Battersea Dogs & Cats Home chipped 343 dogs in local communities across London. The charity’s Community Engagement volunteers worked alongside staff to carry out this vital work, as part of the Home’s volunteering and fostering programme supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Fifteen-year-old Maggie went on a little adventure before the RSPCA returned her home.

The owner of a collie-cross who wandered off during a walk has urged all pet owners to get their beloved animals microchipped.

Amanda Devlin’s mother was walking 15-year-old Maggie (pictured left) in Barnet, where she lives, when the crossbreed disappeared on 24 March, prompting 48 hours of frantic searching and worrying.

On the day the new microchipping law comes into force, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Ambassador Paul O’Grady is urging pet owners to microchip their dogs, after new Battersea research reveals only one in five lost dogs have an up to date chip, making many stray dogs’ chances of being reunited with their owners less likely.

Worrying figures from Local Authorities showed in Battersea’s new report Microchipping Where it Matters Most, the vast majority of stray dogs (80%) either don’t have microchips, or the chips are rendered useless because of out of date contact details.

Earlier this year, the Government announced that all dogs in England must be microchipped by April 2016. To support and promote this vital initiative, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is working with Lambeth Council to offer free microchipping, name tag engraving and advice about responsible dog ownership on Tuesday 6 August at Stockwell Gardens Estate.

CHARITY CALLS ON MPS TO TAKE THE LEAD ON DANGEROUS DOGS
Dogs Trust launches policy document on irresponsible dog ownership
 
Dogs Trust this week called on MPs to join the charity in tackling irresponsible dog ownership at its annual House of Commons reception hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick MP.
 

Dogs Trust has welcomed the announcement that a public consultation on compulsory microchipping is now underway by the Welsh Government.

Defra made an announcement on Monday that they are changing and extending the Dangerous Dogs Act, and they are also asking for input on the compulsory microchipping of dogs. If you are passionate in favour of mandatory chipping, or if you are staunchly opposed to it, Defra want to hear from you. Visit the Defra website to find out how you can have your say. The consultation period will end on 15th June 2012, so don't miss out.
 
Here's the Defra statement that caused a stir on Monday.

Here's the response from the RSPCE to Defra's announcement today:

New Government dog measures lack bite, says RSPCA

Coalition breaks promise to “target irresponsible owners”
Monday 23 April 2012

The Government has wasted the best opportunity to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in more than 20 years, claimed the RSPCA today.

The country’s biggest animal welfare charity has accused Defra of ignoring the advice of the country’s dog law enforcement agencies, and instead launching yet another unnecessary consultation.