From 6 April dogs must be microchipped

From 6 April dogs must be microchipped

From 6 April all dog owners must ensure their pets are microchipped, as legislation is put into place which could result in a £500 fine and a criminal conviction.

The new law is aiming to minimise the amount of stray dogs and help pets find their way back home.

Statistics show approximately 1.8 million dogs still do not have a microchip in the UK, meaning they can’t be traced back to their owner if they are found alone.

The new legislation is also designed to prevent illegal breeding of dogs and reduce pressure on animal’s welfare centres who take in dogs which can’t be reunited with their owner.