In the United Kingdom, the welfare of dogs is a matter of great public concern, and as a result, several laws have been introduced to ensure their safety and traceability. Among the most significant of these is the legislation surrounding the microchipping of dogs. This law, which came into effect on 6th April 2016, mandates that all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and that their details must be kept up to date in a government-approved database. There are three different laws for England, Scotland and Wales that are included in the link above.

However, despite the clarity of the law, challenges remain in ensuring full compliance, and a substantial number of dogs handed in to rescue centres cannot be repatriated due to out-of-date chip details. Read on to understand the current legal landscape, the benefits of microchipping, the penalties for non-compliance, and the persistent issue of out-of-date microchip information.

The Legal Requirement for Microchipping

The UK government’s mandatory microchipping law was introduced as a way to enhance the welfare of dogs and reduce the number of stray animals. The law requires that every dog owner in England, Scotland, and Wales must ensure that their dog is microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old. This should be done by the breeder before you even purchase your puppy, so make sure your breeder gives you the registration details and the paperwork to change ownership. Exemptions are only made for dogs that cannot be chipped for health reasons, and this must be certified by a veterinarian.

Microchipping involves inserting a small electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the dog's skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. The identification number is then registered on a government-approved database along with the owner’s contact details.

It’s important to note that this law does not replace the existing requirement under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, which mandates that dogs must wear an identity tag or disc with the owner’s name and address when in a public place. The two laws work in tandem to ensure that dogs can be easily traced back to their owners, whether through visual identification or electronic scanning. Wearing a disk means that your dog could be found and returned to you by any member of the public. If your dog only has a microchip, your dog will be taken in to a vet or Dog Warden/Animal Welfare Officer so that your address can be found on the microchip database.

The Challenges: Out-of-Date Microchip Information

Despite the benefits of microchipping, a significant problem persists—out-of-date contact details on the chip. According to data from various animal rescue centres across the UK, it is estimated that up to 40% of dogs handed in cannot be repatriated because the information on their microchips is inaccurate or outdated. This represents a substantial number of pets that, despite being chipped, cannot be easily returned to their owners. 

This issue often arises when owners move home or change their phone numbers and forget to update the microchip database. Unfortunately, an out-of-date microchip is as good as no microchip when it comes to reuniting a lost dog with their owner.

The Benefits of Microchipping

The benefits of microchipping are manifold and go beyond simply complying with the law. Here are some of the key advantages:

Increased Chances of Reuniting with Your Pet

If a dog is lost or stolen, a microchip significantly increases the chances of them being returned to their owner. Unlike collars and tags, which can be removed or lost, a microchip provides a permanent means of identification.

Deterring Dog Theft

The rise in dog thefts across the UK has made microchipping even more important. Thieves are less likely to target a dog that is microchipped as they can be easily traced back to the rightful owner. Many owners state on their dog’s identity disk “I am chipped” to reduce the risk of theft.

Proof of Ownership

In disputes over ownership, a microchip can serve as evidence of who the dog belongs to (but can be more complicated than that). This is especially useful in cases where dogs have been stolen or sold without the owner’s consent. That said, if your dog became a stray and you didn't claim them from the pound for over 7 days they can be rehomed.  In this case you have no right to your dog unless the new owner does the right thing. If stolen, your rights are different. 

Compliance with the Law

Adhering to the microchipping law not only helps protect your dog but also ensures that you are on the right side of the law, avoiding potential legal consequences, including fines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance of the Microchipping Act

The penalties for failing to comply with the microchipping law can be severe. If a dog is found not to be microchipped, or if the owner’s details are not up to date, the owner could be served with a notice requiring them to comply with the law within 21 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £500.

Local authorities and animal welfare organisations are responsible for enforcing this law. They have the power to scan dogs, serve notices, and even take possession of a dog if the owner fails to comply after the notice period.

It’s also worth noting that while microchipping is a legal requirement, the obligation to update the microchip information when circumstances change, such as moving house or changing phone numbers, falls entirely on the owner. Neglecting this responsibility can have dire consequences for both the owner and the pet.

Conclusion

The introduction of mandatory microchipping laws in the UK marked a significant step forward in the protection and welfare of dogs. By ensuring that all dogs are microchipped, the government has made it easier to trace lost pets, reduce the number of strays, and combat the growing problem of dog theft.

However, the effectiveness of microchipping is only as good as the accuracy of the information recorded on the database. As the figures from rescue centres suggest, too many owners are failing to keep their details up to date, leading to a high percentage of dogs that cannot be returned to their owners.

It is vital for dog owners to understand that microchipping is not just a legal obligation but a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. Regularly updating your contact information on the microchip database can make the difference between losing a beloved pet forever or having them safely returned home. In this way, the microchipping law serves not just as a legal requirement but as a cornerstone of responsible and loving pet ownership in the UK.