Kennel Club hosts discussion into future implementation

A debate on compulsory microchipping has taken place at the House of Commons as part of National Microchipping Month.

Various questions are being posed over the smooth and successful implementation of compulsory microchipping – a law that will take effect in England as of April 2016.

The debate, which was held on June 6 and hosted by the Kennel Club, provided an opportunity for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to hear the views of various stakeholders.

MPs, ministers and animal welfare charities at the debate agreed that the reunification of lost dogs with their owners is the primary principle of the microchipping legislation.

However, one of the main concerns among those in attendance is the "worryingly" low numbers of pet owners who keep their contact details updated. A recent Petlog survey that found that two fifths of dog owners did not know if their microchip database was up to date.

Further discussion covered how the law could be best implemented and enforced, as well as what effect it will have on dogs, owners, those who offer microchipping, the police and animal welfare charities.

Animal Welfare Minister, Lord de Mauley also highlighted how the legislation will reduce stress to charities and local authorities.

"We are grateful to all MPs and ministers for attending the debate, hosted by Neil Parish MP," said the Kennel Club chairman, Professor Steve Dean. "It was an undeniably progressive meeting, with all parties agreeing on the importance of the upcoming legislation."

Prof Dean added that a number of attendees made interesting and constructive comments about the implementation and the positive results expected as a result of compulsory microchipping.

Image courtesy of the Kennel Club