MPs back micro-chip campaign ahead of new law

DOGS Trust has had the help of MPs to raise awareness of its free micro-chipping services and new website explaining the process.
Tim Loughton supports the micro-chip campaignTim Loughton supports the micro-chip campaign
Tim Loughton supports the micro-chip campaign

The move follows a Government announcement that all dogs in England will need to be microchipped to help tackle the growing problem of strays roaming the streets.

The charity launched chipmydog.org.uk last Tuesday, with the support of a host of MPs, including Tim Loughton.

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The East Worthing and Shoreham MP manned a mocked-up chip van, which appeared to offer free chips to a queue of dogs.

Mr Loughton said: “I am delighted to support Dogs Trust and help the charity launch its Chip My Dog website.

“I greatly welcomed the Government’s announcement on the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping for all dogs in England from April 2016. Compulsory micro-chipping will make it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners.

“I urge my dog-owning constituents to get their canine companions micro-chipped and visit chipmydog.org.uk to find out more about their vital component of dog welfare.”

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The new website is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all micro-chipping queries.

The charity said: “Members of the public are now just a click away from a wealth of information on this important element of dog welfare.”

There are details of free micro-chipping activity, advice on how to update microchip details, guidance on the upcoming change of law and advice on what to do if a dog is lost or found.

Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: “While only the size of a grain of rice, a microchip can be a highly effective means of reuniting a lost dog with its owner.

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“Results from our recent Stray Dog Survey showed that just over 10,000 dogs were returned to their owners for this exact reason. However, it is vital to update your details.

“Sadly, without up-to-date information, a microchip on its own is redundant.”