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Scotland to introduce compulsory microchipping
microchip
Compulsory microchipping is also due to come into force in England and Wales next year.

New law will come into force in April 2016

Compulsory dog microchipping will be introduced in Scotland from April 2016, at the same time as similar legislation comes into effect in England and Wales.

The news was announced on March 4 by Scotland's rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead. "I can now confirm that compulsory microchipping will be introduced in Scotland next year, after it was overwhelmingly backed in our public consultation," he said in a statement.

"This will be a huge help in reducing the number of lost and abandoned dogs in Scotland."

According to Mr Lochhead, around two thirds of dogs in Scotland have already been microchipped and last year, more than 10,000 dogs were reunited with their owners thanks to their microchips.

"This is an impressive figure, but it could be improved on dramatically by ensuring that all dogs are microchipped, and, equally important, that their details are kept up to date," he added.

Welcoming the news, BVA president John Blackwell said: "It will help ensure that lost dogs can be reunited with their owners, which is a positive outcome that will affect many thousands each year.

"With a deadline set for introduction, the Scottish Government now has the time to work out the details of implementation before microchipping becomes compulsory – for example, it is essential that it is clear who can and cannot implant microchips."

Mr Blackwell said the BVA and its Scottish branch will work with the government over the next 12 months to ensure vets and their clients understand their responsibilities and are prepared for these new rules.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.