Dogs Must Be Microchipped By Apr 6

[bibblebub]

http://metro.co.uk/2016/03/08/you-could-face-a-500-fine-if-your-dog-doesnt-meet-this-new-law-5740507
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals-and-Nature/Question1465472.html

Just a reminder to all dog owners that you have only 4 weeks in which to get your dogs microchipped (if you haven't done it already) otherwise from April 6 you could face a £500 fine. I don't have any pets myself but it would be a dog if I did.

[wolf63]

You don't like cats ???

I didn't realise that this was happening. My cats are chipped and it is reassuring to know that, should they get lost, I will have a chance of getting them back.

[Baldric]

As usual, the responsible owners will get their dogs done and the Yobs with the trophy type dogs won't bother, just another way of penalising the honest dog owner.

[wolf63]

It seems to be for England only, I know that Ireland has similar legislation starting/started.

I agree Baldric, your dogs and cat were part of your family (as are my two moggies) but many dogs are just accessories or something to make their human look macho.

[Baldric]

Any use to anyone?

http://www.chipmydog.org.uk/have-your-dog-chipped-for-free/

[viv41]

You know what worries me about this - what if an abused dog gets away from its abusive owner and when found is checked for a microchip, it will then be sent straight back to its abusive owner ??

[lankeela]

It is coming in for England, Scotland and Wales.

[RATTER15]

All three of ours were chipped as soon as they were old enough. I think it is irresponsible not to have them done.

[Islay]

All mine were done too with their vaccinations. But with the cats I waited until they were spayed.

[viv41]

So what do you think about them being sent back to abusive owners then ??

[RATTER15]

Viv, how does microchipping make any difference to that situation. If they werent Microchipped but found by the Police, they would still be handed back to the rightful owners.

[viv41]

How could they be handed back to the rightful owners if they weren't microchipped? More chance of abusive owners being found if the dog is microchipped, surely ?

[Islay]

If there is obvious signs of abuse then the dogs are not given back once collected by the dog warden.

[Islay]

Also abusive owners are most likely hardly going to comply with the law and microchip their pets!!!!

[viv41]

Not if the dog looks well fed and healthy, abuse goes more deeply than that in many cases.

[viv41]

Oh, just seen your other response, all I can say to that is GOOD !!! (Three exclamation marks, like you).

[RATTER15]

Viv, "How could they be handed back to the rightful owners if they weren't microchipped?"

How do you thing they have managed up till now without microchipping?

Usually the owners are identified by the address on their collar tags which has been compulsory for many years!

[bhg481]

The penalty for not having your dog chipped is a joke. If caught you are given 21 days to have it chipped or be fined up tp £500. Why bother to have it chipped, just wait till you're caught (if you are) and then have it done.

[viv41]

RATTER compulsory or not, do you really think ALL dogs wear them .....

Anyway I've had my say now and I won't be swayed from it. I'm afraid I don't agree with it ...