A Tayside pensioner is leading calls for mandatory microchipping of dogs in Scotland after her tiny pet had to be put down after it was attacked by a pitbull.
Jacqueline Stewart, from Arbroath, wants Holyrood to follow Westminster’s lead after legislation was passed that requires all dogs in England to be chipped from 2016.
The Scottish Government has claimed there is no evidence the measure would effectively tackle dog welfare issues, and has raised concerns over costs.
Mrs Stewart (74), whose papillon Holly died after being attacked, claims chipping all dogs may force irresponsible owners to keep their animals under control.
“I think it is a good idea and everybody should be made to microchip their dogs,” she said.
“My other dog, Tilly, was chipped when she was just a few weeks old and if all dogs were chipped it would mean their owners could be contacted straight away.”
The owner of the dog that mauled Holly was fined £720 in court and banned from keeping animals for 70 weeks.
Holly suffered a broken femur and pelvis in the attack outside Mrs Stewart’s home last June and had to be put to sleep as a result of her injuries.
Mrs Stewart said: “If people who have dangerous dogs knew they were chipped they would maybe think twice.”
The Scottish Government recommends microchipping in the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, but stops short of advocating it be brought into law.
A spokeswoman said: “We recognise the benefits of microchipping in helping to reunite dogs with owners where dogs have been lost or stolen.
“To date, we have received no evidence that compulsory microchipping would effectively tackle welfare issues such as abandonment, puppy farming or dog fighting.
“In addition, there are significant concerns surrounding the enforcement and cost, both to local authorities and to owners, of compulsory microchipping that would require proper consideration.
“We are watching developments elsewhere in the UK with interest, and may consider the matter further in future should those developments appear to merit it.”
The English microchips will be coded with owners’ details, and people who do not comply could be fined up to £500.
The RSPCA welcomed the proposals, but said it doubted that they alone would “make owners more responsible or ensure fewer dogs bite people”.