Compulsory microchipping in Wales
Following in the footsteps of both England and Northern Ireland, the Welsh Government has announced that dog microchipping will be made compulsory.
As of March 1, 2015, all dogs in Wales must be chipped – a move welcomed by animal organisations and charities alike.
"For many years Dogs Trust has led the campaign for the introduction of compulsory microchipping" said the charity's CEO, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, in response to the announcement.
"We are delighted with the decision the Welsh Government has made on this important issue for dog welfare."
Meanwhile, Peter Jones, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), commented: "Microchipping is a safe, effective and permanent way to link dogs to their owners and is an essential part of responsible ownership.
"We are delighted that the Welsh Government will bring in new legislation soon."
The move follows law that came into effect in Northern Ireland last year, as well as the decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to make microchipping compulsory in England from April 2016.
"We will continue to lobby the Scottish Government to ensure that the whole of the UK has compulsory microchipping in place," added Mr Jones.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
