Battersea urges compulsory microchipping
Battersea is making the call at the start of Microchipping Month, which runs throughout June. Each day Battersea receives an average of 11 stray dogs, many of which never see their owners again, but microchipping would dramatically increase their chances of being reunited.
A microchip is a tiny chip inserted into the scruff of a dog’s neck by a trained professional in a simple procedure. The chip has a unique code which when scanned with a special reader can be matched to the owner's details on a central database. Rescue centres, animal wardens and vets are all able to scan for this permanent form of identification.
Battersea’s Head of Intake & Assessing Liz McWalter says: “Every time a dog arrives at our door without a microchip I am dismayed. It is such a simple, quick, cheap and painless procedure, and one that can make the difference between never seeing your dog again, and being reunited quickly. I would urge everyone to chip their pet straight away.”
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.
