Microchipping to become compulsory for dogs in England by 2016
Submitted by GSPCA on 20:57, 6th Feb, 2013 |
0
It has been announced that every dog owner in England will have to microchip their animal by April 2016 to help cut the growing number of strays. The government says owners who refuse to comply with changes to the Animal Welfare Act face fines of up to £500.
In the UK Government figures reveal that more than 100,000 dogs are dumped, stray or lost each year, at a cost of £57m to the taxpayer and welfare charities and organisations.
It hopes the change in the law will help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets relieving some of the pressure on animal charities and local authorities.
The GSPCA has been encouraging dog owners for nearly two decades to get their canine pets microchipped. In fact in the last year the Shelter has not only gone out into the community to hold microchipping events but also now microchip dogs and cats for £4.99.
Another initiative to encourage microchipping is for the first time the GSPCA is working with a number of the Parishes offering free microchipping as part your dog tax, click here for more details.
Dog tax is currently £10 per dog - Section 7 (1) of the Dog Tax (Guernsey) Law, 1969, as amended - A person who keeps a dog in respect of which dog tax is chargeable under this Law shall ensure that the dog, while on a public highway, is wearing round its neck a collar bearing on it, or having attached to it a disc made of metal or other durable material bearing on it, in clearly legible letters, the initial letters of the Christian names of that person followed by the surname of that person and the distinguishing letter of the parish in which that person has his ordinary place of residence.
The GSPCA deal with 150-200 stray dogs every year and a further 400-600 stray and RTA cats. Unfortunately less than 45% have microchips and even less have collars with tags.
The GSPCA as well as many animal welfare organisations want to see all dogs and cats microchipped to ensure that if ever they become lost they can be reunited swiftly with their owners. More importantly if they are found stray and involved with an accident then the vet history via the owner can be obtained quickly.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'It is such a worry when we have a stray animal without a microchip or collar and tag as we always want to reunite them quickly.'
'For dogs in England as it is in Northern Ireland these laws will not only help the dog and owner but also the Shelters and kennels that deal with the thousands of stray dogs they see every year.'
'There are many benefits by having your animal microchipped and if anyone is interested in having it done or if you need to update your animals microchip details then please contact the Shelter to find out more.'
'The GSPCA would welcome compulsory microchipping in Guernsey as it would certainly aid the Shelter and the many stray animals we see every year.'
Compulsory microchipping was introduced in Northern Ireland in April 2012 and it was considered in Wales in 2012, although no formal policy announcement has yet been made. The Scottish government has said that, while it recognised the benefits of microchipping, there was "no evidence compulsory microchipping would effectively tackle welfare issues".
To donate to our BIG FISH APPEAL and help our grey seal pups call the Shelter on 01481 257261 or please click here with the reference 'BIG FISH APPEAL' and thank you for your support
GSPCA Purple Week - Coffee Morning & Bric-A-Brac Mondy to Friday 10am-12pm next week at the GSPCA - & appeal for Bric-A-Brac - click here for details
Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale. Please click here for more details
To find out about the GSPCA Purple Week - Celebrating 140 years Caring for Animals in Guernsey 11th - 17th February and how you can join in.
The GSPCA are pleased to announce our GSPCA Sunday Family Fun Lunch on the 3rd March - click here for more details
25th - 31st March GSPCA Cupcake Week - more details to follow.
4th April - World Stray Day - more details to follow
Saturday 6th June 2013 Itex Walk Guernsey - We are pleased that for 2013 we are one of the nominated charities benefiting from this years walk. To register and find out more click here for more details.
June 2013 - Summer Fayre and Dog Show - more details to follow
September 2013 - Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday - more details to follow
4th October - World Animal Day - more details to follow
There are always animals at the GSPCA looking for good homes from farm birds to rabbits and to see many of them please click here. Felix in the video is our longest stay cat and really needs your help to find a new home.
There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.
To download our latest newsletter or become a member of the GSPCA please
Post new comment