The law requires you to make sure that your dog wears a collar and identification tag when in a public place. In addition, every dog owner in England will have to microchip their dog from the 6th April 2016.

Jump to: Collar and Tag

Microchipping................Take Action Now!

Chip it: 

By the 6th April 2016, dog owners will need to have their dog microchipped and registered on one of the authorised databases available.

Check it: 

Once your dog is microchipped, you must keep your registered details up to date. Changes include:

  • changes of address
  • changes of telephone number
  • if dog has a new owner

If a dog is not microchipped, the Council may serve a notice on the keeper of the dog to require them to have the dog microchipped within 21 days and if the keeper fails to arrange for this, the Council may take possession of the dog, arrange for it to be microchipped, and recover the costs from the keeper for this.

To find out more about the law around this, click on Microchipping of Dogs (England) 2015.

Why should I microchip my dog?

  • The chip identifies the dog to you and could be the only means to prove the dog is yours should there become an ownership dispute.
  • All vets and local authorities are able to scan stray dogs.
  • It enables the dog to be returned to you should the collar/tag be removed.
  • If your dog gets stolen it can be the only means to prove ownership.
  • Dogs that we collect that do not have any form of identification are classed as strays and are taken to a kennel which can be stressful for the dog.
  • Having your dog microchipped can save you the cost of kennelling fees should it escape.
  • The Dog Warden or Vet will be able to contact you.

Companies that log microchip numbers. 

  • Pet log Telephone 0844 4633 999 
  • Anibase Telephone 0190 4487 600
  • Pet Protect Telephone 0800 0778 558
  • Owners with chipped dogs should also contact their microchip company if their pet goes missing.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is slightly larger than the size of a grain of rice. It consists of a tiny computer chip housed in a type of glass made to be compatible with living tissue. The microchip is implanted between the dog's shoulder blades under the skin with a needle and special syringe. Little or no pain is experienced - most dogs do not seem to even feel it being implanted. 

How does the microchip work?

Once in place, the microchip can be detected immediately with a reader that uses radio waves to detect the chip. The device scans the microchip, and then displays a unique code. Once the microchip has been implanted the details will be sent to the microchip company.

Where can I get my dog microchipped?

Microchipping services are usually provided in the following places, vets, dog groomers, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Dogs Trust and other local animal charities.

Please note, The Dog Warden Service is unable to provide a microchipping service.

Collar and Tag

As a dog owner, you have a legal obligation under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, to ensure your dog wears a collar and tag when in a public place. The tag should contain the following details:

  • The name and address of the owner
  • A telephone number so you can be contacted easily.  (Though this is not a legal requirement)
  • We would advise against putting your dog’s name on the tag.
  • A microchip is not a substitute for a collar and tag but is also a legal requirement as of April 2016.

There are also benefits of tagging your dog including:

  • If your dog becomes lost, members of the public would be able to contact you so that you can be reunited quickly
  • If a member of the public is able to make contact with you without the Council’s involvement, then you will save on the expense of claiming the dog back and kennelling fees.

Should we find your dog in a public space without a collar and tag, we will consider taking enforcement action where you could be fined up to £5000.

 

 

Your rating: 

No votes yet
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.