Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has welcomed the introduction of a new law making micro-chipping pet dogs a legal requirement last week.
All dog owners in England, Scotland and Wales are now required to microchip their dogs before they reach eight weeks old — failing to conform could result in fines of up to £500 for owners.
The team at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are encouraging everyone to comply, even offering a complimentary microchipping service at their centres for those who call ahead.
Trevor Cooper, dog law expert at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: “We’re hoping it is going to have a really positive impact because we would like to see more dogs going home and this is a great way of securing that.”
Of the many strays that come into centre around 70% are not chipped.
Pet owners are also encouraged to ensure they update microchips when they have a change of address as a survey conducted by Battersea Cats and Dogs Home found that more than half of the microchips in animals checked had out-of-date details.
Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, with thanks
