Under the new legislation, it will become law for all dogs to be microchipped – with serious fines for owners who do not comply.
Kingsway Veterinary Hospital has pledged to provide the microchipping service free to new and existing clients to help pet owners to comply with this government legislation without any financial implication.
Microchips offer a range of benefits, not least the potential to reunite a lost pet with its owner. The procedure involves painlessly placing a tiny chip – the size of a grain of rice – under the animal’s skin. This gives the pet a unique code and allows the owner’s details to be stored on a national database.
The practice fully supports the new law recognising that the positive benefits of microchipping extends to all companion pets, as it is a safe and permanent method of identification. Despite it not becoming a legal requirement for cats at this point, Kingsway have offered to broaden their free microchipping during this period to include them in the service as part of their mission to promote responsible pet ownership.
The positive outcome of microchipping was highlighted last year, when the practice reunited a stray cat found in Silsden with its owners, who lived over 25 miles away, in Grassington. Blackie the cat had been missing for over a year, so the family were delighted when Kingsway called to say he had been found safe and well.
Kingsway’s Practice Manager Susan Pearson stressed the importance of microchipping service both to avoid the potential of a heavy fine, but ultimately for the wellbeing of the animals.
She explains “Like the RSPCA, PDSA and Dog’s Trust, we fully support the new legislation. It represents a significant step forward for welfare and responsible dog ownership. We encourage any owners whose dog is not microchipped to come into the practice for this free procedure before the new law comes into effect.”
She added, “Dog owners whose pets have already been microchipped should check their details are up to date on the microchip database as incorrect details could also lead to them receiving a hefty fine.”
Any pet owners who are unsure which database they are registered with can ask Kingsway Vets to scan their pet’s microchip to check.
Pet owners can book a free microchipping appointment until April 6th at any of the three Kingsway branches located in Skipton, Silsden and Crosshills.
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More information on: http://www.kingswayvets.co.uk/
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