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How microchipping laws will affect nurses
Mr Cooper also clarified certain aspects of the regulations, which are set to come into force from 6 April, 2015
New legislation clarified at BVNA Congress

With compulsory dog microchipping set to become law in England next year, veterinary nurses were given an update on key changes at the BVNA Congress today.

Trevor Cooper, of Cooper & Co Solicitors, reminded delegates that some aspects of the law are already in force. For example, it is now a criminal offence not to report adverse microchipping events, including failed and migrating chips, as well as those that result in health conditions.

All such adverse events must now be reported to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

In addition, chips must comply with ISO standards and can only be implanted by somebody who has undergone an approved training course; a vet; or a veterinary nurse under the direction of a vet. Vet and veterinary nurse students may also perform the procedure under a vet's instruction.

Mr Cooper also clarified certain aspects of the regulations, which are set to come into force from 6 April, 2016.

All dog breeders will be required to chip puppies by the age of eight weeks and register themselves as the first keeper. When puppies are transferred to their first home, it will be the legal responsibility of the new keeper to update the details.

Microchips must be registered to the 'habitual keeper' - or, the person with whom the dog normally resides. This has implications for some rescue centres who currently keep the microchips of their dogs registered to their organisation, rather than to the new keeper.

Mr Cooper urged veterinary practices to see the new law as a business opportunity - and to encourage owners to microchip their pets by highlighting the benefits, rather than focusing on the legal implications of failing to comply.

While he said it is unlikely the new law will be stringently enforced, it could offer an opportunity to shut down indiscriminate breeders.

Puppy farmers and 'backstreet breeders' are likely to flout the microchipping law due to cost and wishing to avoid being tracked down. Thus, a puppy buyer who discovers their dog has not been microchipped has an opportunity to report the breeder to the local authorities.

For more information visit www.doglaw.co.uk

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.