The Welsh assembly Government have published their consultative document on the compulsory micro-chipping of all dog in Wales and have invited comments.They have concluded, based on a survey, that there are approximately 463,000 dogs in Wales with 30% of all households having at least 1 dog.
With an increasing number of stray dogs being recorded, it was estimated that 9,482 stray dogs were handled in Wales in 2011; it seems that current identification legislation is not working.
In 2011, Welsh Government officials held a series of small, informal meetings with key stakeholders that included database holders, welfare organisations and enforcement officers. The purpose of these meetings was to determine the then current position with microchipping, and to identify any issues that needed to be considered in taking forward this proposal. It was clear from all meetings that there is a high level of support for the introduction of compulsory microchipping in Wales. Micro-chipping would provide permanent identification that is difficult to remove.
Compulsory microchipping could:
• Improve animal welfare by making it easier to reunite a stray dog with its owner. The period of confinement for microchipped stray dogs may be reduced, therefore reducing the level of stress for the dog when separated from its owner.
• Develop further, responsible ownership by introducing greater traceability of owners (past and current).
• Help establish liability and prove ownership.
• Will assist control measures in case of any diseases that can be transferred to humans.
• Act as a deterrent against dog theft – the microchip relates the dog to its owner and therefore it can be determined if the dog is stolen.
The Welsh Government is proposing that all dogs in Wales are to be microchipped. However, in making that proposal, there are a number of options which could be taken.
Option 1: Not introduce legislation but continue to work with local authorities and third sector organisations to encourage owners to microchip their dogs on a voluntary basis.
Option 2: Microchip puppies only
Option 3: Microchip new puppies and older dogs on transfer of ownership
Option 4: Micro-chipping new puppies and upon transfer of ownership at first, moving to micro-chipping all dogs within one year of the legislation coming into force.
Option 5: Micro-chipping new puppies upon transfer of ownership at first, moving to micro-chipping all dogs at a future date.
NCAR supports micro-chipping and charges only £10 per animal. Why not visit us at the Rescue or our Trailer at events this summer. For a list of where the trailer will be, click on Trailer Events This is updated as more events are addedFor full details of the Consultative Document visit this link :Consultative Document
To add your thoughts to this consultative document on line, visit - Complete On line form
The consultation ends on the 8th August, 2012
