1. Will compulsory microchipping be government controlled? The government have announced a package of measures to promote responsible dog ownership and it has been suggested that Local Authorities and police will be responsible for enforcing the law from April 2016 and to assist, the Kennel Club has offered its support by donating a scanner to every Local Authority in England and Wales.
2. Is compulsory microchipping now proof of ownership / keepership? No - microchipping has never been proof of 'ownership'. Even when microchipping becomes compulsory in 2016 this will still be the case. The words 'owner' and 'ownership' have been replaced by the words 'keeper' and 'keepership' for this very reason.
3. Will compulsory microchipping mean legal 'Keeper / Ownership'? The words 'legally responsible' are used if your dog strays, bites or causes any unjust damage - as the keeper of the dog you are 'liable' for the dog that is registered to you. As the 'keeper' therefore you will be held responsible if your dog has been found to commit such an act, however the 'keeper' will be protected from prosecution if their dog attacks a burglar or trespasser on their land.
4. How long has a person got to get a dog microchipped if they get one after April 2016?There are no guidelines on this at present, however am sure there will be some time allotted. For those who refuse, there will undoubtedly be a fine.
5. At what age is a dog exempt? We've not had guidance on this as yet and will update as soon as known.
6. What is the minimum age a puppy has to be before being chipped? Usually at 2nd vaccination, recommended 8/12 weeks of age
7. Is there a fine/penalty if I don’t get my dog microchipped? Yes - at the moment the fine has been set of up to £500.
8. Who imposes the fine? Petlog? The Government? The fees payable will be set by the Government, we believe. The current fee for non-microchipping of up to £500 has been suggested so we are using that as a gauge until informed otherwise.
9. What is the purpose of a microchip database?When a pet is Microchipped the unique Microchip Number and your contact details along with important information on the pet – need to be held in a secure location / and be accessible 24/7 365 by any Authorised Agent finding the pet.
Petlog is the UK’s largest lost and found database for microchipped pets. Its Customer Care Team are based in the UK and available 24/7 365, operating to ISO 9001/2 standards and is managed by the Kennel Club.
10. What documentation will be issued to the registered keeper? The keeper will be able to download their confirmation of registration via the website from their microchip number and Petlog ID upon validation of registration.