Welsh Government delays dog microchipping
Compulsory dog microchipping was due to come into force in Wales on March 1, 2015.
Plans to introduce compulsory dog microchipping in Wales this March have been delayed.
In a written statement published in September last year, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans, said she had asked for the draft regulations to be withdrawn to ensure they are "fit for purpose" before they come into force.
Government officials were asked to revisit the draft regulations, whilst continuing to work closely with Defra and database stakeholders. As a result, Ms Evans said "the previously stated date of March 1, 2015, by which all dogs in Wales should be microchipped, is unlikely to be achieved."
In addition, she announced that draft Breeding of Dogs Regulations would also be withdrawn and relaid before the National Assembly for Wales "as soon as possible".
Ms Evans said in the statement: "I appreciate that this may not be wholly welcome news but I wish to assure you that these two important pieces of legislation will be taken forward in Wales as swiftly as possible. I will emphasise that it is important we get these regulations right."
A further written statement is expected to be released as work progresses.
To read the full statement, visit: http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2014/dogs/?lang=en
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
