Dog owners could be breaking the law if they don't comply with a legal requirement.
As millions of households welcome new additions into their homes, failing to ensure dogs are microchipped could land you with a £500 fine. Research from Direct Line Pet Insurance has found that around 1.3m dogs in the UK are not currently microchipped, Wales Online reports.
It has been a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped since 2016 and failure to comply could result in a hefty fine, along with the risk of criminal prosecution. However, the ECHO previously reported that dog owners have been issued a £2,000 warning over their pet's collars, even if the animals are microchipped.
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All dogs must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it when walking in a public place. Adding a mobile phone number to the tag is still optional. One man found himself with a bill of £594 after failing to get his dog microchipped and making sure it was wearing a collar and tag in public.
The microchipping procedure itself costs around £20, carries no known health risks and is essential in reuniting owners with their missing dog. The microchip contains a code that is unique to the animal and is quickly inserted under the skin.
But pet owners who fail to ensure their details are up to date are also risking a fine. Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: "Dogs are more than just pets to their owners, they’re family members that deserve the very best care and protection.
"With the staggering number of dogs still not microchipped, there is a real risk of thousands of loved pets going missing and potentially not being returned to their owners. Microchipping gives your pet the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they are lost or stolen.
"It’s important to keep your information up to date, such as if you move house or change vet, and updating your details is easily done by contacting the database which your dog is registered on. Our research is an important reminder that pet owners should stay informed about the latest safety, insurance, health, and protection measures for their dog."
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