New Micro Chip Legislation Not Enough

It has been announced that micro chipping dogs is likely to become compulsory in England following Government plans to formalise the original proposal started by the Labour Government. The move would mean that every newborn puppy should be micro chipped in order to make it easier for lost dogs to be reunited with their owners and to enable prosecution against the owners of violent dogs. Already happening in Northern Ireland This follows legislation in Northern Ireland which recently became the first part of the UK to introduce compulsory micro chipping for dogs. In Northern Ireland the micro chipping legislation is in addition to owners requiring a license to keep a dog. Currently this costs around £12.50 per year with deductions for neutered dogs and pensioners. A dog license used to be a requirement in England until 1987 when it was abolished, largely due to it being ignored by many dog owners. It is intended that compulsory micro chipping in Northern Ireland will be checked when dog licenses are renewed. Good for vets? Some would argue this is an unexpected bonus for vets around the UK enabling them to increase revenue charging anything up to £35 per dog for what is a relatively simple and quick procedure. On the other hand experienced vets would say that those who take on a puppy and do so responsibly will already utilise this service for their pet, along with ensuring they have the right food, exercise, vaccinations and puppy insurance. Ultimately a micro chip is designed to identify an animal if and when it becomes parted from its owner. It is not something that was originally intended to pursue those responsible for animal cruelty or the breeding and keeping of dangerous dogs. Owners micro chip voluntarily Currently about 5000 owners a week already voluntarily choose to microchip their dogs and most rescue centres like the RSPCA routinely microchip all rehomed cats and dogs. Whilst micro chipping all dogs will certainly help identify the owners of rogue breeds and dangerous dogs the chip itself does not prevent any dog acting violently towards the public. Many vets, who have to destroy healthy animals as a result of them attacking other dogs or members of the public, would suggest that it is time that owners were held more accountable for their dog’s actions. There is a blame culture aimed at the animal and the new legislation will not remove the stigma attached to the so called dangerous breeds. In the right environment with the right nurturing, exercise and care any animal will thrive and sadly this is the point that is being overlooked. The exact details of the new Government policy remain unclear and a spokesman for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has indicated there is perhaps more than micro chipping to the new rules: "We will very shortly be announcing a package of measures to tackle the problems caused by irresponsible dog owners. This is an issue we take extremely seriously and so have taken the time necessary to get the policy right." Owner problem not a dog problem The presence of a chip will not make any physical difference to a dog and the Government certainly needs to go much further with its policy in order to get a handle on the problem. It is doubtful that any dog owners will come forward voluntarily over and above those that already do and like with any legislation it is unclear how it will be enforced. Those who lack the desire and ability to train a dog properly from a puppy, particularly stronger and powerful breeds do not deserve to keep a dog without the proper documentation. Vets see all too regularly many people taking on a puppy for all the wrong reasons and then struggling to provide a good and stable home. A poor puppyhood leads to problems in adult life and it is this cycle that needs to stop to prevent many more dogs displaying dangerous behavior. Rather than blanket micro chipping perhaps the Government could place funding into education about the commitment of owning a dog and look at introducing a more robust dog license system. Legislation failing the responsible The RSPCA and animal charities like them firmly believe that the legislation fails both responsible dog owners and the general public as the measures don’t go far enough to prevent dog attacks. The focus should be on the owners and not the dogs in order to prevent reckless dog ownership in the future.

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