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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th December 2015
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Milestone reached for Scottish microchipping law
dog microchip
Compulsory dog microchipping is expected to come into force in England, Wales and Scotland in April 2016.
New rules to be introduced in April 2016
 
Scotland is set to introduce compulsory dog microchipping by April 2016, at the same time as England and Wales.

The legislation was laid before Scottish Parliament yesterday (3 Dec), marking a major step forward.

Under the new law, all dogs in Scotland will need a microchip and their owners' details must be registered and kept up to date on a database that complies with certain rules.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Today marks an important milestone towards compulsory microchipping, which will help reduce the number of lost and abandoned dogs in Scotland - safeguarding animal welfare and promoting responsible ownership.

"As well as reuniting pets with their owners, it will allow authorities to directly identify dog owners and hold them accountable for their dogs' behaviour and welfare."

A Scottish consultation on responsible dog ownership in 2013-14 found 83 per cent of respondents supported compulsory microchipping.

Owners with unchipped dogs are now being urged to get their pets microchipped in time for the new legislation. The Dogs Trust has revealed it will be offering free microchipping in Scotland at mobile drop-in events and at its two rehoming centres.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.