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Defra discusses microchipping at BSAVA Congress
Image Andy Patnelli
Andy Patnelli, Defra.
Veterinary nurses will need official training to implant microchips

Each year, 50 per cent of stray dogs are put to sleep, according to Andy Patnelli, Defra's police leader for the compulsory microchipping regulations.

Speaking at the BSAVA Congress yesterday (April 4), he said around 100,000 stray dogs are picked up by local authorities each year, at a cost of £30 million.

Compulsory dog microchipping is due to come into force in England on April 1, 2016. The law applies to all dogs from eight weeks old. Mr Patnelli says this will help lost dogs to be reunited with their owners more quickly, reducing the financial burden on local authorities.

The legislation follows a 2012 public consultation on responsible dog ownership. Of the 27,000 responses to be submitted, 96 per cent supported microchipping, Mr Patnelli says.

Currently, 66 per cent of dogs in the UK are microchipped, leaving 2.5 million without chips.

Under the new law, the breeder is considered the first keeper and is responsible for passing the puppy's registration details onto the new owner. All keepers must keep these registration details up to date. Dogs that are unfit to be microchipped, usually for medical reasons, are exempt from the law.

Veterinary nurses who implant microchips will require official training under the new law. Implantation training is currently done by LANTRA.

In addition, a system for reporting adverse reactions to microchipping will be introduced and is currently in development.

Mr Patnelli said there are currently no plans to introduce compulsory cat microchipping.

BSAVA is trialling interactive questions at this year's congress. This allows delegates to submit questions to speakers during lectures, which can then be displayed on screen and answered at the end of the talk.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.