Microchipping to be compulsory

Pembrokeshire County Council is reminding dog owners that all their pets must be microchipped from next year.

The Welsh and UK governments are introducing compulsory microchipping of dogs in the spring.

As well as compulsory microchipping, the new law also requires dog owners to keep chip identification details up to date.

At present, although recommended, microchipping is voluntary.

“Microchipping is an unique identification which notifies Dog Wardens and Vets of the registered owner of each animal,” said Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.

“The new law aims to improve animal welfare by making it easier to return a stray pet to its owner and encourage responsible dog ownership,” he said.

“It also helps establish liability and prove ownership and assist in any control measures which might be needed in case of disease – and at this time of decreasing budgets, there is a need for an income stream for dog welfare and control if services are to be maintained.

“This is a great opportunity to link a registration fee with micro chipping.”

At present it is estimated that almost 60 percent of dogs in Wales are microchipped.

Pembrokeshire County Council Dog Warden Ruth Edwards said dog owners should be getting ready for the change in the law.

“At present we are offering a free microchipping service funded by the Dogs Trust so there is no excuse for owners not to get their pets identified,” she said.

Anyone wanting to get their dogs microchipped or find out more about the change in law can contact the Dog Wardens on 07833 046119 (Ruth Edwards) or 07979 241668 (Sally Bland).