Minister hints on Microchipping
Environment Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach (pictured) has hinted in the House of Lords that compulsory microchipping might be part of a forthcoming 'package of measures' designed to encourage 'responsible' ownership. In response to a question in the House, Lord Taylor cited concerns on the 'enormous' financial expenditure required to deal with stray animals that could be put to better use in the present economic climate and the 'human cost' of attacks by dogs.
"We see microchipping as part of the measures we can do to address an increasing problem," said Lord Taylor, who also argued that 58% of dogs were already microchipped by owners on a voluntary basis. Peers were informed that there were approximately 126,000 stray dogs in the UK and rehousing them would require an expense of about £1,100 each. It was also stated that about 6,000 healthy dogs had to be put down in 2011 because they could not be found new homes.
The previous government announced an interest in compulsory microchipping shortly before the last election, and the coalition has been debating its own stance on the issue. Lord Hoyle (Labour) concurred with Lord Holbeach, stating his belief that a compulsory microchipping law would be 'highly popular' with the public. "Taking the old adage 'there are no bad dogs, just bad owners. Microchipping would make for more responsible dog ownership. It would also make it easier for dogs who have strayed to find their owners and it would cut down on stolen dogs." he said.
Crossbench peer Lady Mar also raised the point that compulsory microchipping before dogs reached eight months of age could also allow them to be traced to their breeders and that this would have implications for curtailing the practice of puppy farming.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
