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Warning over scam microchip registry
The database quoted by UK Pet Chip Registry does not conform to UK government standards.
Website claims to add pets' details to a national database that does not meet government standards.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning about a website advertised on Google that offers pet microchip registration.

The website, named UK Pet Chip Registry, claims that it will add the pet's microchip details to a so-called National Pet Microchip Registration Database for a charge of £15. 

The CTSI states that the quoted database fails to meet government standards for pet microchipping, and therefore does not appear on the list of government-endorsed databases.

The warning comes amid a rise in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Late last year, Dogs Trust reported a spoke in demand for puppies, and Google searchers for 'Buy a Puppy' increased by 115 per cent since lockdown began. 

"It is vital that when purchasing a puppy, members of the public must register the chip on one of the 15 databases verified by the UK government. If they do not, they risk a fine of up to £500,” commented Steph Young, CTSI lead officer for animal welfare.

"The database quoted by UK Pet Chip Registry does not conform to UK government standards, and signing up to it alone puts the user at risk of a fine and the needless cost of the money used to pay for it. The public should always follow government guidance, not paid-for adverts on search engines."

Katherine Hart, a fellow Lead Officer at CTSI, added: "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a great deal of opportunism and in many cases outright scams. Many people suffer from loneliness during the lockdown, and purchasing a furry companion is an increasingly popular option.

"We are all so much more vulnerable now. The public must be increasingly vigilant, sceptical and above all, check the law and UK government advice when making these decisions. Ignorance of the law excuses no one - make sure you register your pet on a verified database."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.