August 2024
Mysteries of the Microchip
Microchipping your dog or cat is a straightforward procedure and should make it easy for you to be reunited should he or she go missing. Microchipping was covered in our October 2023 blog but the microchipping system has since been reformed and will help reunite thousands of lost and stolen pets every year, as well as deter pet theft. It is a legal requirement to have any dog over the age of 8 weeks microchipped in England, Wales and Scotland. Moreover, as we know, many online selling platforms are a haven for selling illegally and anonymously. Some of the big selling websites are still allowing advertising of puppies clearly stating that they are not microchipped, so they are sold on cheaply and quickly.
There are many microchip databases out there but many people don’t know if they are genuine or not. To date there are 15 DEFRA compliant microchip databases and they have recommended a more streamlined approach to ensure these databases interact with other. All these databases must meet Government standards. Changes to the microchipping system will include a central port for vets, the police, local authorities and charities such as the RSCPA. This would make it easier to search the microchip records rather than having to contact separate databases individually, which could delay the time taken for pets to be returned.
Who can do Microchipping?
Veterinary practices carry out microchipping and some charities and organisations do it free.
Each microchip holds a unique number that can be detected with a scanner. This is used to access the owner’s details. You must register the microchip otherwise it is useless. Breeders must also register their details on the microchip database. You must also keep your details up to date and inform the microchip company if anything changes such as change of ownership or moving house. This explains the reasons why when a dog is found as a stray, the chip says ‘unregistered’ if not registered in the first place.
It should be compulsory to scan and check microchips as routine as stolen and lost dogs often go unnoticed. There have been missed opportunities as in the case of a stolen dog missing for 6 years. She was used for intensive breeding and was in a terrible state when she was found. There was evidence that she was taken to a vet earlier on but could have been reunited sooner if she was scanned at the first appointment.
Pet Abduction Act 2024
We welcome the long awaited Pet Abduction Act 2024 which came into force on 24th August this year. It recognises that dogs and cats are sentient beings and not just objects as they can experience emotional distress & other emotional trauma when they are stolen from their owners. Under this new law, anyone found guilty of stealing a pet will face up to 5 years in prison, a hefty fine or both. Support for the Act also strengthens compulsory microchipping as well as making it easier for lost, stray or stolen pets to be reunited.
Why does Microchipping Fail to work?
Just because your dog is microchipped, it doesn’t mean he or she will be returned. Unless they are checked, there is no way of telling if a dog has been sold to an unsuspecting owner. Therefore, they don’t know if the dog is stolen and the vet doesn’t know if the dog is stolen.
Of course, a microchip isn’t a GPS locater which means that it cannot track your dog or cat if he goes missing. In addition, a GPS tracker doesn’t provide real time tracking of your pet but can lead to their location within around 10 miles, however it can be removed easily. Nevertheless, with technology moving fast, we look forwards to the development of micro tracking devices in the future.
Unfortunately, criminals can remove a microchip quickly with a razor blade and replace it where there is money to be made.
So now we have compulsory microchipping, compulsory scanning is the next step!
Should the worst happen, make sure you are prepared by keeping your pet’s microchip details up to date. If you are buying a puppy, always make sure they are microchipped before taking them home.
The RSPCA have introduced a video called CHIP ‘n’ CHECK with everything you need to know about microchipping your dog.
More lost pets to return home as microchipping system reformed - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)