Scotland’s top vet has urged dog owners not to leave it to the last minute to get their animal microchipped, ahead of new laws coming into force next month.
From April 6, it will be compulsory for all dogs in Scotland to have a chip with their owners’ details registered and kept up to date in a database complying with certain conditions.
The change in legislation has been highlighted by chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas at a free Dogs Trust microchipping drop-in session in Perth.
She said: “In just over a month’s time it will be compulsory for all dogs to have a microchip and for owner details to be registered and kept up to date.
“This will reduce the number of lost and abandoned dogs in Scotland helping to safeguard animal welfare and promote responsible ownership.
“The microchipping procedure is very quick and largely painless, and can be done for free at Dogs Trust mobile drop-in events such as this one.
“In addition, many veterinary practices are offering special deals.
“The clock is ticking, and so I urge dog owners not to delay or leave it until the last minute to get their animal chipped and ensure their contact details are up-to-date.”
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Government Minister with lead responsibility for animal welfare, added that the move would help officials.
He said: “Scotland is a nation of animal lovers, and mandatory microchipping has received overwhelming public support.
“As well as reducing the number of lost and abandoned dogs in Scotland, this law change will allow authorities to directly identify dog owners and hold them accountable for their dogs’ behaviour and welfare.”
Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “For many years Dogs Trust has campaigned tirelessly to bring about the introduction of compulsory microchipping and registration.
“We are very pleased to welcome the legislation, which means that by April 6 all dogs in Scotland must be microchipped, which will go a long way to improving dog welfare and responsible ownership. Microchipping is the most effective permanent way to assist in a lost dog being returned to their owner, which in turn reduces the number of healthy dogs unnecessarily put to sleep.”