Local MP Takes A Lead On "Chip It, Check It" Campaign

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, has joined the Kennel Club and Lord de Mauley, Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in calling on dog owners to ensure their pets are microchipped at the launch of the "Chip it, Check it" campaign in Parliament.

The Kennel Club, the UK's largest dedicated to dog welfare, has said that by microchipping dogs and keeping personal details up to date, thousands of dogs could be identified and reunited with their owners instead of facing the risk of being euthanised.

Regulations set to be introduced shortly will place a requirement on owners to have their dogs microchipped and registered on one of the databases available. Owners will also be expected to be responsible for ensuring the information is kept up to date in order to have the best chance of reuniting them with their pet.

Justin highlighted the importance of microchipping and checking contact details are up to date as part of the Kennel Club's National Microchipping Month during an event in Old Palace Yard, Westminster. The event launched the new 'Chip it, Check it' education campaign intended to inform the public about the change in law from April 2016 and was supported by Members of Parliament and animal welfare organisations.

Justin Tomlinson MP said "In the countdown to compulsory microchipping, National Microchipping Month is an ideal reminder to people in Swindon to 'Chip it, Check it' – to get their dogs microchipped or if already chipped, check their contact details are up to date on the microchip database."

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko commented "The introduction of a requirement to permanently identify a dog through compulsory microchipping will go a long way towards improving the current situation surrounding stray dogs by reducing the need for unidentified lost dogs to be rehomed or sadly euthanised. The Kennel Club views regulation as a positive step forward for responsible dog ownership and thanks Justin for his support in promoting dog welfare".

National Microchipping Month runs throughout June. For more information go to www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk