Call for compulsory microchipping
In light of two reports on dogs revealed yesterday, the British Veterinary Association has renewed its call for compulsory microchipping.
Dogs Trust revealed the number of stray dogs in the UK is the highest in eleven years, with over 126,176 dogs picked up by local authorities in the last 12 months, and around 20 dogs a day being put to sleep.
New research from Guide Dogs shows seven attacks per month on guide dogs by other dogs, whose owners are unable to control and manage their dogs properly in public.
Harvey Locke, the President of the BVA, said: "These hard hitting reports expose the heartache and financial costs that arise when dog owners fail to take their responsibilities seriously."
The BVA is a member of the Microchipping Alliance, which is urging the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping of dogs to save taxpayers' money and promote better welfare.
Locke added: "Although compulsory microchipping is not a magic wand, it would prove enormously helpful in increasing the number of dogs that can be reunited with their owners, reducing the number of dogs that are in kennels or euthanised, and making it easier to identify irresponsible owners."
He ended on a call to the Government: "We hope these reports from the Dogs Trust and Guide Dogs will encourage Ministers to take action."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
