Microchipping
Regulations for dog microchipping came into force from 6th April 2016.
Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, it is compulsory for dogs over eight weeks old to be fitted with a microchip. From 6 April 2016, dogs must be chipped and their owner or keeper's contact details kept up to date. Failure to do so may result in a criminal prosecution and a £500 fine.
The regulation excludes working dogs or those which the vet certifies should not be chipped due to ill health.
Microchipping is a simple and painless procedure which involves inserting a tiny chip into the dog's neck. The chip contains a unique identification number which can be read by a scanner. Contact details of the owner or keeper are registered against the unique identification number.
These regulations will make it easier to find the owner of found or stray dogs. If the dog is not chipped or if the contact details are out of date, the owner or keeper will be served with a notice to put this right within 21 days. Non compliance of this notice may result in a £500 fine plus associated court costs.
For further information, please visit the GOV.UK website.
Contact your local vet for information about microchipping your dog.