Dog owners worryingly unaware of law, survey reveals

The survey was compiled for leading pet charity Blue Cross and questioned 2,000 dog owners across the country.  
 
The research, released a year before new dog microchipping rules come into force, showed that almost half of dog owners questioned did not know it will be compulsory by law for all dogs to be microchipped by April 2016.

Many were also unaware of existing laws, with over 70% saying they didn’t know they could face a fine if their dog wasn’t wearing a collar and tag when in public and less than 1% aware that the fine could be up to £5,000.
 
Blue Cross has long recommended owners microchip their pets to help reunite them if they go missing, especially as the study found that over half of the nation’s dogs have run off at least once in the past.

The charity last year rehomed 1,673 stray dogs and cats because their owners could not be traced.

Rehoming Supervisor at Blue Cross, Sarah Bussell, said: “It is important to teach your dog to come back to you when called and make sure it wears a tag and is microchipped, which will help increase the chances of you being reunited if they become lost. It also means you will be fully compliant with the law in time for the new regulations about microchipping coming into force”
 
One in five owners does not have their dog microchipped, according to the survey, and half of those owners admit they probably won’t have it done.

This suggests that approximately two million dogs still need to be microchipped and the owners may be subject to hefty fines in a year’s time.
 
“So many animals arrive at our centres as strays but they have clearly been cared for and could be much-loved and much missed pets. Dogs like Taters who is just over a year old and came to us from the pound. She is a lovely dog who understands basic commands so someone must have taken the time to train her. Her owner could be missing her if she is lost but without a microchip there is no way we can trace them. She’s currently being cared for by Blue Cross until will find her a loving new home,” Ms Bussell added.  
 
Blue Cross offers pet owners microchipping for free at its rehoming centres and animal hospitals. Find your nearest location at www.bluecross.org.uk .