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NI introduces compulsory microchipping
New law on microchipping comes into force

Northern Ireland has become the first region of the United Kingdom to bring in legislation making it compulsory for a dog to be microchipped. The Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 also mandates measures to deal with dangerous dogs, Dog Control Notices, and more powers for Dog Wardens. It is hoped that the new legislation will assist with the identification of stray dogs and thus allow for a more rapid return to their rightful owners.

The new legislation also extends the jurisdiction of legislation to private property, thus closing a loophole in previous legislation that includes the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, and the Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.

Commenting, Dog Warden Nicola Poole said "I think it'll make a big difference to dog wardens. It's another method of trying to track dogs' owners and get them home. Dogs' collars and tags can be lost and can be removed. The microchip is permanent, so it can be pretty helpful."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.