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Dogs: Tagging

Answer

There are certain circumstances where microchipping of dogs is a legal requirement.Under the current Pet Travel Scheme rules, all dogs entering the UK must be fitted with a microchip as part of animal health requirements to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases. Identification is mandatory for pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) moving under EC Regulation 998/2003, which lays down conditions that must be complied with when moving pets between European member states and into the European Union from non-EU countries. The UK brings its procedures into line with the European Union on 1 January 2012.Under the Welfare of Racing Greyhound Regulations 2010, dogs must be microchipped to take part in races and trials. The greyhound regulations are due to be reviewed in 2015.Under the Docking of Working Dogs' Tails (England) (Regulations) 2007, it is a requirement for a legally docked dog to be identified by a microchip. The tail docking regulations were looked at as part of the review undertaken by DEFRA into the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. DEFRA consulted a wide range of stakeholders, but no evidence was presented relating to these regulations.Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended 1997), one of the requirements, under which an individual prohibited type dog may be permitted to be entered on to the Index of Exempted Dogs, is that it is microchipped. The adequacy of the current legislation and the wider issue of dangerous dogs and irresponsible dog ownership is currently being looked at.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

80721; 536 c307-8W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Dogs Tagging

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk