MPs Back Compulsory Microchipping Of Dogs

Members of Parliament have recognised the British Veterinary Association’s contribution to the promotion of microchipping dogs and the campaign for compulsory microchipping through an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled by Andrew Rosindell MP (Conservative, Romford). The EDM is gaining signatures from across all political parties as MPs show their support for a compulsory microchipping scheme that would have a significant and positive welfare impact on dogs by:

• assisting in the return of stray and stolen dogs to their owners;
• improving traceability of puppy-farmed dogs; and
• providing a lifetime of security for a one-off payment.

The EDM is also supported by Dogs Trust (who coordinated the EDM), Cats Protection, Blue Cross, and NOAH (National Office for Animal Health). Earlier this week Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones AM announced proposals for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs and puppies sold or homed by licensed breeders, to improve traceability. Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: “Microchipping is part of responsible pet ownership and the BVA believes that all dogs should be permanently identified by microchip before the first change of ownership or at the first veterinary examination. “Compulsory microchipping allows stray dogs to be reunited with their owners and would help the authorities to crack down on shameful puppy farms, where the health and welfare of both puppies and bitches is compromised, by improving the traceability of the animals. “It could also assist with the reporting of hereditary health problems and surgical procedures to help us gain as much knowledge and research as we can to improve the health of all dogs. “I would urge all Members of Parliament to show their support for dogs and their owners by signing this EDM.” The full text of EDM 357: COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING OF DOGS Rosindell, Andrew That this House recognises that the introduction of a compulsory microchipping scheme for dogs would have a significant and positive welfare impact, including the return of stray and stolen dogs to their owners and the improved traceability of puppy-farmed dogs; congratulates Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, Blue Cross, National Office of Animal Health and the British Veterinary Association on their efforts to raise public awareness of microchipping and their campaigning for a mandatory scheme; acknowledges that microchipping provides a lifetime of security for a one-off payment; agrees that a compulsory microchipping scheme is currently the preferred alternative to a dog licensing scheme, which would potentially create unnecessary bureaucracy and expense for local authorities; and believes that this would not represent a barrier to dog ownership for vulnerable groups.

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