Compulsory Microchipping in Scotland

You are probably aware that we have long campaigned for the introduction of compulsory microchipping for all dogs across the United Kingdom. We are delighted that the measure has now been introduced in Northern Ireland, Wales, and England, but with no plans as yet to legislate, the Scottish Government are in real danger of falling behind the rest of the UK in this important aspect of dog welfare.

Microchipping was first introduced into the UK in 1989 and is internationally recognised as a permanent method of identification and traceability of dogs and their owners. The most important reason for microchipping is to enable a lost or straying dog to be returned promptly to its owner. This in turn reduces the number of healthy dogs unnecessarily put to sleep and saves money for Local Authorities by cutting kennelling costs.

Microchipping is a one-off cost of about £20-£30. Dogs Trust works closely with Local Authorities across the UK to promote the tool as an effective method of permanently identifying dogs. We chipped approximately 100,000 dogs in the run up to the introduction of legislation in Northern Ireland as part of our ‘chip roadshow’, which travelled across the country offering training and advice and providing free chip implantation to dog owners. We have also set aside a substantial amount of money to ensure that dog owners in England and Wales can avail of free chipping within a limited time period. A similar scheme would be offered in Scotland were compulsory microchipping to be implemented.

Dogs Trust intends to continue lobbying the Scottish Government on the issue, but for this we need your help.

What can I do?

Dogs Trust recently commissioned a YouGov survey to gauge Scottish opinion on compulsory microchipping. We are delighted to reveal that an encouraging 82% of all Scottish adults think that microchipping should be made compulsory for all dogs in Scotland, with just 9% saying that it should not, and a further 9% unsure. We believe that this figure really emphasises the high level of support in Scotland for this important aspect of responsible dog ownership. If you are one of this 82%, we would ask you to write to your local MSP asking them to raise the issue of compulsory microchipping with the Scottish Government on your behalf.

We have prepared a template letter which you can modify before sending either as an email or as a letter if you pick the 'Send me a Word file' option - simply click here  to proceed to the online form and complete your details.

We would recommend trying to personalise this letter as much as possible, in order to better grab your MSP’s attention. If, for example, your dog has ever been lost or stolen and then been successfully returned to you because of its microchip please insert here or as a responsible dog owner, explain why you believe it is important for your dog to be microchipped. If you receive a reply, please send a copy to us so that we can take further action if required.

If you have any queries about the process or any other matter relating to compulsory microchipping in Scotland, please do not hesitate to get in touch, you can email us at: Feedback@dogstrust.org.uk

 Thank You.

Defra Announces Compulsory Microchipping

This morning, 6th February 2013, the Government announced that microchipping of all dogs in England will soon be compulsory, something we have long campaigned for. We are committing to supporting the law change by heavily investing in making microchips available for free for any dog in the UK.

In the words of our CEO Clarissa Baldwin OBE:

“For many years Dogs Trust has led the campaign for the introduction of compulsory microchipping and we applaud the decision the Government has taken which represents a hugely significant and progressive breakthrough for dog welfare.  

“As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, reducing the UK’s stray dog population is at the very heart of what we do which is why we have committed a considerable amount of money to ensure no dog owners will lack the financial ability to microchip their dog. Currently, microchipping involves a minimal one-off cost, but the benefits last a life-time.”

Put simply, microchipping is the single most effective means of returning a dog to its owner – thus saving lives.

We are running a series of free weekend chipping events across the UK in March and April, full details of which can be found on our website.

You can also take a look at our extensive Q&A on what microchipping is and how it works.

There will be more events in the future, and we will also continue to offer free microchipping by appointment at any of our centres (call to book), as we have been since December 2011. There are also plans to offer free chips to vets, who will be able to take part on a voluntary basis.

While the change of law applies to England only, our centres in Scotland and Wales will be taking part, and we will continue the extensive work that we have been doing in Northern Ireland where we have now chipped 115,000 dogs in 18 months – roughly a third of the local dog population.

The compulsory permanent identification of all dogs means that more dogs found lost or straying can be returned to their owners and in a timelier manner. local authorities were unable to return over half (52%) of stray dogs in 2010/11, a total of 65,612 dogs, because they were unidentifiable. We believe the new measures will help reduce the burden on animal welfare charities such as Dogs Trust and reduce the cost to local authorities of kennelling, which could save the public purse approximately anywhere between £20.5 and £22.8 million per year.

We know that people will have questions about enforcement and keeping chips updated. We are stressing the importance of linking microchipping to registration, and work hard to inform owners of both the benefits of microchipping and the need to keep details updated. We don’t just focus on the owners who are already likely to comply; for example, our City Dogs campaign works with owners - particularly of so-called status dogs - in the more disadvantaged parts of London, providing free microchipping alongside advice and education.

For those concerned about compliance, our work in Northern Ireland has indicated that microchipping is a considerably more attractive option than licensing; though compliance with the licence is quite low, our microchipping programme is very popular, as owners recognise the benefits of chipping but object to what they see as being taxed to own a dog (you can read a more detailed post on why we favour microchipping over licensing here). There will also be a system of fines in place to help enforce the new law.

To be clear, we don’t believe that complulsory microchipping will solve all dog-related problems. Today’s announcement has come as part of a wider package of dog control measures for England which Dogs Trust does not believe go far enough to tackle the many issues surrounding irresponsible dog ownership, least of all dangerous dogs.  Dogs Trust would like to see an end to breed specific legislation and we believe that until a fundamental overhaul of dog legislation is undertaken, including provisions for preventative measures, dog control problems in this country will remain.

For more information, see www.chipmydog.org.uk. You can also search the hashtag #chipmydog on Twitter.

[Image: Richard Moore, Manager at Dogs Trust Harefield, demonstrates microchipping and scanning.]

Stray Dog Survey results for 2012 released

Every year, Dogs Trust commissions a survey of the country to establish, as accurately as possible, the state of the stray dog problem in the UK.

The results of the survey were released today, and you might have seen quite a bit of radio and television coverage today. Some of the key points are below, and you can see a breakdown of regional figures (compared to last year) on our website, where we will also post the full report as soon as it's available in the appropriate format.

• A shocking 118,932 stray and abandoned dogs were picked up by Local Authorities across the UK over the last 12 months, equating to a staggering 325 stray dogs being found every day.
• Of these 118,932, a significant proportion in London and other urban areas were those breeds identified as ‘status dogs’ by the media. In the Granada region the numbers of stray ‘status dogs’ have risen by 82%, in Greater London they have increased by an incredible 148%.

Dogs Trust’s City Dogs project reaches out to the owners of so called ‘status’ dogs; since its launch in 2010 the project has neutered one dog a day in Greater London, helping to reduce the number of unwanted Staffie type puppies. Dogs Trust has also provided local authorities in Greater London with 2,750 free neutering vouchers and the Metropolitan Police with an additional 200 vouchers that are largely offered to the more vulnerable owners of bull breeds.

Dogs Trust has written to DEFRA ministers to update them on the rise in numbers of abandoned ‘status’ dogs and is urging them to consider compulsory microchipping as a way to help identify irresponsible owners.

You can also read the full press release on our website.

Dogs Trust, The Guardian and the Dangerous Dogs Debate: Your Views

About three weeks ago, we hosted a discussion on Facebook all about dangerous dog law. From about 9am to about 4pm, we kept the Discussion tab open and encouraged any one from our 220,000+ strong community there to post whatever they thought.

What we didn't tell our supporters at the time was that a round table discussion was being hosted by Dogs Trust and the BVA at the Guardian, which is being reported on today. The discussion was held under Chatham House Rule, which means that no-one is quoted by name or otherwise identified, so that a truly frank and open discussion can take place. A list of those who took part can be seen on the article linked to below.

This is the article in the Guardian as it appears today.

Below are the questions we asked on Facebook and an anonymous snapshot of some of the views posted that day.

It is not a comprehensive list of all the areas covered and does not represent a statement or view of Dogs Trust, but gives an idea of the views expressed by our supporters that day.

Is Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 effective? It punishes the breed, not the deed; is that right?

"No. There's no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners who turn the dog aggressive and that can happen with any breed. Meanwhile, those dogs listed on the DDA could, in the right hands, turn into well-adjusted, loving, sociable dogs."

"If DDA is so effective why are there 100's of pitbulls around and have only been on the increase? It's stupid and has not been thought out well at all, I mean it was only done overnight after all."

"There is a huge lack of education within this country when it comes to dogs. I have been out with friends who have all moved well out the way of a Staffy as it walked past, which then happily sniffed at me and let me stroke it. It was friendlier then my dog could be at the time! There is such a lack of education out there that needs to be addressed but to get it out to the whole country and to get them all to listen is a mission and a half."

"The wording of the legislation is also difficult to interpret... pitbull type, now sees many cross breeds being taken from their families on their measurements alone. Lab staffie crosses, mastiff crosses, great dane crosses, condemned to a lonely early death because they look like a type, despite being lovely family pets."

What are the implications of the DDA for dog welfare in the UK?

"The implications are that whole breeds are going to be persecuted for the actions of the few. Instead of learning that breeds aren't violent and that individual dogs are trained to be that way, all that will happen is that more breeds of dog will become illegal and so more dogs will be killed purely because of what they look like."

"There need to be more training schools and possibly something like Ofsted for them so they are more regulated. There are various trainers training in different ways from the dominance training to allowing the dog to work it out themselves. Each dog is different but there needs to be something to help keep trainers and then the dogs in check in some way."

"Some people don't actually care about the welfare of the dog and these are the people the DDA should be targeting. Those who would use a dog as a status symbol, or as a fashion accesory, or as a weapon, or those who see puppies simply as a means to make easy money."

Is the Scottish DDA an improvement?

"I think my country, Scotland, has the right idea with doggy ASBOs."

"The ASBO act is a step in the right direction, targeting the "deed not the breed" but so much more needs to be done to educate the general public."

Should the law be extended to cover private as well as public property?

"No I dont feel that it should. Why should dogs be restricted even more somewhere they should be allowed to be dog?"

If you have a swimming pool, your yard has to comply with a range of regulations that not only prevent kids who live in the house from getting in to the pool area, but also prevent your neighbours kids from doing the same (ie proper fencing). Why shouldn't this type of regulation be applied to owners of dangerous dogs?

"Yes - absolutely. A dangerous dog is a dangerous dog no matter if it's on private property or not. As we know, dogs that are trained and are well balanced and socialised tend not to be dangerous. So a dog that is dangerous perhaps hasn't the best start in life or has been trained inappropriately."

"My late father was a postman nearly all his life so came into contact with many dogs on their property. He always looked around if there was a Beware of The Dog sign before entering. On many occasions a dog would race out when the door opened, barking and snarling at him whilst delivering a parcel. 99% would get their dogs in and start apologising... The few who let the dogs carry on would be politely asked to put them inside. He never met anyone who wouldn't. Would these be classed as 'dangerous'?"

"I think the difference between a dangerous dog on public land and a dangerous dog on private property is that everyone has the right to be safe when they step into a public place. "

How can we work with key demographics that will be more likely to face challenges in this area?

"How to get from call for help from member of the public to education is tough. Compulsory microchipping at point of intervention with the specific objective of linking dog with owner, and using education as penalty mitigation."

"It is a great shame that we cant have more dog training classes available for some of the people who own the dogs that they are using as status dogs. Showing them how fantastic obedience is or agility and bring out their competitive streak but in a completely safe and fun for both way. This could be combined with advice on feeding, microchipping, vaccination etc for their dog but in a non confrontable way."

Are key agencies (eg police / local authorities) equipped to deal with this?

"No, the police are too busy dealing with other things and paperwork and there are not enough on the beat anymore. Local authorities can't deal with it either as they are too stretched with providing the essential services to boroughs."

"Police community support officers in my neighbourhood are very apporoachable I have found and take this kind of thing very seriously, I admire the job they do."

"Not that easy to police the puppy farms sadly. There needs to be education of people considering buying a dog many people dont really understand about puppy farms and just see it as way of getting the breed they want cheaply."

Will compulsory microchipping help?

"Definitely. All cats and dogs should be chipped by law. It really would help many animal welfare problems."

"YES... absolutely and without question! Impose a fine on those that don't - that will soon help with funding issues!"

"Surely only the responsible will microchip, usual problem, caring owners/breeders do the right thing."

"The microchipping service would possibly need to be made easier and more efficient."

"Compulsory chipping seems like a good idea, but will only work if there are meaningful enforceable penalties for non compliance and sufficient resources are available to police compliance."

One subject that did come up quite a lot and was eagerly debated was whether the dog license should be reintroduced. For Dogs Trust's view on why microchipping is preferable, take a look at this explanation from our Marketing Director, Adrian.

It's really valuable to us to know what our supporters think, especially about such a controversial, occasionally emotional subject so please, keep adding to the comments.

Stray Dog Survey 2009: numbers increase; calls for compulsory microchipping

Our annual Stray Dog Survey is complete... and the results are disappointing.

Figures show that a staggering 107,228 stray and abandoned dogs were picked up by Local Authorities from UK streets in the last year. This represents an unacceptable increase of 11% and is the highest increase recorded since records began in 1997.

We strongly believe that 2008’s change in stray dog law in England and Wales, whereby police no longer hold statutory responsibility for stray dogs, may explain this sudden increase; we also fear that the current financial crisis is contributing to the problem.

Over 9,000 unclaimed stray dogs are being put to sleep by Local Authorities; as a result we feel that the next step is a change in the law. We're asking the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for all dogs in the UK. By using microchips to reunite lost pets with their owners and trace abandoned dogs back to irresponsible owners, the numbers can start dropping again.

In the last year, of those stray dogs that were returned to their owners, 31% were returned due to being microchipped – with compulsory microchipping many more could be reunited.

The annual survey is conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of Dogs Trust. Sadly, it shows a startling increase since the year before. Despite the sustained efforts of both animal welfare organisations and Local Authorities, on average 12 stray and abandoned dogs an hour are now handled by Local Authorities. Each hour:

• 5 are reunited with their owners
• 3 are taken to welfare organisations
• 1 is rehomed from the Local Authority kennels
• 2 are in kennels for their seven day holding period
• 1 dog is put to sleep

Our Chief Executive Clarissa Baldwin says:

“This is the largest annual increase since our records began in 1997. Previously we had seen a steady decline, but the latest statistics show a huge jump in the number of stray dogs both handled and put to sleep by Local Authorities. Some dog wardens mentioned the recession could have been an attributing factor to the increase, while others cited the change in the stray dog law last April.

We believe that the time is right to review the Control of Dogs Order and are calling on the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping of all dogs in the UK. Microchipping is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner and has helped so many people become reunited with their beloved pets.”

Compulsory microchipping already has significant support in the UK. Over 90% of Local Authorities and veterinary surgeons and almost 90% of dog owners are in favour of its introduction according to our research. To date 45 MPs have signed a supportive Early Day Motion (EDM) for the campaign and the charity has received additional support regionally from local MPs from all three of the main parties.

The introduction of Compulsory Microchipping would:

• Enable lost or straying dogs to be reunited promptly with their owners – meaning fewer dogs will be put to sleep at council pounds
• Permanently identify a dog in such a way that is virtually impossible to alter or remove - a clear advantage for dogs that are stolen
• Enable clear identification of the dog’s owner when prosecution is being considered for dog thieves and antisocial behaviour
• Significantly decrease the workload of all those dealing with stray dogs
• Reduce kennelling costs for Local Authorities and save time
• Allow puppies bred illegally or inappropriately on puppy farms to be traced to their source
• Significantly increase the welfare of racing Greyhounds as they could be traced back to their owners whilst they are racing and once they retire

We invest around £5m each year in neutering, microchipping and education programmes in the worst affected areas of the UK - Northern Ireland, North West, North East and Wales. Since the campaigns began in 1999, over 307,000 dogs have been neutered and 228,500 have been microchipped through these projects.

Responsible dog owners can get their pet chipped at their local vets for an average cost of £20-£30. We will microchip all dogs by appointment at any rehoming centre for a reduced cost of £10 and £5 for those on means tested benefits.

For the full results, broken down by region and compared to 2008's survey, please see our full press release (scroll down to the bottom for table).

Dogs Trust has a non destruction policy, we never destroy a healthy dog.