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Dog licensing to change in Northern Ireland
Microchipping
Dog owners will also be required to ensure that their contact information on the microchip databases is kept up to date.

Amended regulations will make microchipping the sole method of ID
 
Dog licensing requirements are set to change in Northern Ireland, meaning that from January 1, 2015 microchipping will be the sole method of identification in dogs, and the coloured licence tags issued by Councils will be discontinued.

The announcement was made yesterday (Tuesday, 16 December) by Northern Ireland's agriculture minister, Michelle O'Neill.

Minister O’Neill said: "Microchipping of your dog is a compulsory part of dog licensing and following consultation with council chief executives, it was agreed to discontinue with the coloured tag, issued with a dog licence or upon licence renewal.

"Dog owners must still ensure that their name and address is inscribed on the dog’s collar or on a plate or badge attached to it. This requirement remains in place."

As part of the new regulations, dog owners will also be required to ensure that their contact information on the microchip databases is kept up to date.

The Minister added: "These measures are to ensure responsible dog ownership and so that you are quickly reunited with your dog should it go missing. To facilitate the updating of microchip details requirement, I am delighted to announce that Dogs Trust, in conjunction with local councils, will be launching a campaign to assist dog owners here to update their contact details on microchip databases for free. Dates and venues will be advertised in the local media in early 2015.

"I would encourage dog owners to take advantage of Dogs Trust’s generous offer to update their contact details on microchip databases for free."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.