Written question asked by William Bain (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 December 2010. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs:Tagging

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on compulsory microchipping of dogs.

Answer: A proposal for all dogs to be compulsorily microchipped was included in DEFRA's consultation on dangerous dog legislation. DEFRA received 1,875 responses on this issue, of which 84% were in favour and 16% opposed. We are currently working with groups such as the RSPCA to look at a range of issues raised in the consultation, including micro-chipping.My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Lord Henley) is due to announce the Government's approach to dangerous dogs early in the new year.

Secondary information