Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd October 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Welsh owners required to microchip dogs by April
Microchip
The Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015 will come into force on 6 April next year.
Law will apply to all dogs over eight weeks old

From April next year it will be a legal requirement for all dogs in Wales to be microchipped, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

The Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015 will come into force on 6 April 2016 and will require all dogs over the age of eight weeks to be microchipped, and the keepers' details registered on an approved database.

By law, dogs will still be required to wear a collar and a tag with the owner's name and contact details on it when it is in a public place after compulsory microchipping is introduced.

Following the approval of the regulations on Tuesday (20 October), Farming and Food Minister Rebecca Evans, said: "I would encourage all dog owners who have not already had their dogs’ microchipped to do so as soon as they can.

“Pet owners are far more likely to be reunited with their animals if they are lost, stolen or injured if they have been microchipped.

“The ability to trace all dogs back to their owners should encourage more responsible ownership, breeding and help in the control of dangerous and nuisance dogs by creating a link between a dog and its owner.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, added: “Microchipping is a simple procedure involving the implantation of a small microchip under the skin of an animal using a needle. 

"The unique reference number stored on the microchip must then be registered on a corresponding database with the contact details of the animal’s keeper or owner.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.