New dog microchip laws in Wales could cut livestock worrying

New legislation will soon make it compulsory for dog owners to microchip their pets in Wales.

Rebecca Evans, deputy minister for food and farming in Wales, said draft regulation on compulsory microchipping of dogs had been laid before the National Assembly for Wales on Tuesday (29 September).

The draft legislation will be debated in Plenary at the Welsh Assembly Government on 20 October.

See also: Dog owner jailed for bull attack on Anglesey

Compulsory microchipping has already been introduced and Northern Ireland.

From next April, all dogs by eight weeks old must be microchipped to an approved owner in England and Scotland. The Welsh government is seeking to introduce the new laws at the same time.

“We are now working to bring in the compulsory microchipping for all dogs in Wales in April 2016… in line with the date announced for compulsory microchipping in England and Scotland,” said Ms Evans.

“My officials have worked closely with counterparts in England on cross-border issues because dogs are moved routinely between England and Wales.

“Also, given that providers of microchipping services work across Wales and England, there is a need to harmonise standards and to synchronise our work.”

Microchipping will allow councils, dog wardens and vets to trace all dogs back to their owners – and ultimately to the breeders.

It will also encourage more responsible ownership, added the minister.

Farmers hope that microchipping all dogs will act as a deterrent against livestock worrying and other crimes.

Failure by dog owners to comply with microchipping laws could result in fines of up to £500.