Dog owners warned of possible fine if pet is not microchipped by tomorrow

There are just 24 hours left until a new law comes into force that means all dogs must be microchipped.
A dog being checked for a microchipA dog being checked for a microchip
A dog being checked for a microchip

From April 6 all dogs in England and Scotland will have to be microchipped as part of Government plans to reduce numbers of lost and stolen dogs and promote responsible dog ownership.

Owners of dogs that have not been microchipped can be served notice requiring them to have a dog chipped within 21 days or face a fine.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition, all puppies will have to be chipped by the time they are eight weeks old.

It is thought that thousands of dog owners have still to comply with the new rule.

Similar legislation was introduced in Wales in March 2015 and Northern Ireland made microchipping dogs compulsory in 2012.

The penalties for ignoring the microchipping legislation are severe. When a dog without a microchip is brought to the attention of the authorities, it’s likely that the owner will be issued with a deadline to have it chipped, but after this they could be fined and even prosecuted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.