Just 50 days until compulsory microchipping of all dogs comes into force in Wales

From April 6 next year it will be a legal requirement for all dogs and puppies over 56 days in Wales to be microchipped, and keepers’ details registered on an approved database.

Assembly Members backed plans for the introduction of microchipping for dogs in Wales after a lengthy consultation period.

RSPCA Cymru has been leading a campaign for compulsory microchipping in Wales for many years, they say it will help make it easier to identify the owners of those dogs that have strayed or are being mistreated, neglected, abandoned or lost.

England and Scotland will also introduce compulsory microchipping at the same time as Wales.

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans said:

“There are just 50 days to go until it will be a legal requirement for dogs in Wales to be microchipped. If there are any owners left who have not already had their dogs microchipped, they must do so by 6 April.

“The ability to trace all dogs back to their owners should encourage more responsible ownership and breeding, and help in the control of dangerous and nuisance dogs by creating a link between a dog and its owner.

“Lost, stolen and injured dogs are much more likely to be reunited with their owners if they have been microchipped and registered on one of the authorised databases.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, said:

“Microchipping is a simple procedure involving the implantation of a small microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) under the skin of an animal via a needle. The process is quick and very well tolerated by dogs.

“Most dogs in Wales have already been microchipped but owners also need to ensure the corresponding database has their up to date contact details to give them the best chance of being reunited if they are lost or stolen.”

Non-working dogs will still be required by law to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and contact details on it when it is in a public place after the law comes into force.

Meanwhile Flintshire County Council are to consider a dog DNA service.

The issue of environmental crime, particularly dog fouling, has been highlighted as a priority by Flintshire residents and Flintshire County Council is constantly reviewing options to improve the cleanliness of the streets they say.

The council is currently evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative method of dealing with irresponsible dog owners.

Members of the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s Dog DNA Task and Finish Group met recently in Mold with Gary Downie of Streetkleen who wants to introduce a Dog DNA registration service, call PooPrints UK, to Flintshire.

Once the group has considered their findings, they will then present their recommendations to the full Scrutiny Committee before the Council’s Cabinet.can make a decision on the proposal.

Councillor Veronica Gay, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, said:

“Despite the success of Operation Clean Up which has been running for a number of years, there still remains the irresponsible minority who fail to clean up after their dog and it is important that we consider all options for enforcement to send out a strong message that dog fouling in Flintshire will not be tolerated.”