Swindon MPs Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) and Robert Buckland (South Swindon) have today backed the call by the Kennel Club for the compulsory microchipping of dogs at an event in Parliament organised to mark National Microchipping Month.
The Government announced plans in April to overhaul legislation relating to dogs and dog ownership. Compulsory microchipping formed part of the suggested changes that were put out to public consultation.
Microchipping is a low-cost, permanent way to identify pets. It has long been an essential tool in reuniting lost or stolen pets with their owners. Each year nearly 130,000 dogs are found straying yet, with only one in four strays chipped, for over half these dogs their owner is never found.
Microchipping can also be a key weapon in the fight against irresponsible dog ownership. The Government aims to reform dangerous dogs legislation to target enforcement and punishment at irresponsible owners rather than their animals. Such an approach is limited in its effectiveness unless all owners are tied to their pets through a simple microchip.
Currently only around 59% of dogs in the UK are chipped; in countries where microchipping is compulsory, this figure is as high as 95%.
Robert Buckland MP said “In Swindon this is of particular concern. We have had a number of dog attacks on guide dogs in our town and over the Jubilee Weekend the tragic attack on a young boy in Moredon. It is vital we take steps to reform the legislation surrounding dangerous dogs so that it is fit to tackle the issue.”
Justin Tomlinson MP said “It is important that we continue to push for compulsory microchipping and discuss how it is best implemented so that as many dogs are chipped as possible. It is not just the public who benefit. In the debate over dangerous dogs, it is all too easy to forget the welfare benefits to dogs from chipping, tackling other issues such as puppy farming and dog theft. ”
More information about microchipping can be found at www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk