Microchipping dogs is an “urgent” issue, says RSPCA

Introducing the compulsory microchipping of dogs is an “urgent” issue, the RSCPA has said.

Lord Taylor of Holbeach suggested that mandatory microchipping of dogs could be introduced in a “package of measures” to encourage “responsible ownership” of canines.

The tentative plans would see all new puppies microchipped to stem the rising tide of dog attacks - a situation which Lord Taylor admitted was an “increasing problem”.

The RSPCA said that the situation “needs urgent attention” by the Government, adding that the implementation of compulsory chipping would need to be well considered. “We believe that this issue needs to be addressed by a proper framework and a holistic approach – without this people and animals will continue to be put at risk.”

The consultation comes as an 83-year-old man died after an attack from a “pitbull-type” dog, leading to an arrest on Thursday.

Recent figures show that more than half of the 8.3m dogs in Britain are microchipped. The mandatory introduction would also see the number of dogs abandoned “dramatically drop”, the UK Kennel Club said.

“It would help welfare organisations not having to keep these dogs and also assists the owners who may have their dog re-homed without ever knowing what happened to it,” a spokesman told Yahoo! News.

“Compulsory microchipping would also tackle puppy farming as breeders could be tracked. If you have so many dogs that are getting ill and the owners take them to the vets it can be found if they have common problems. That would allow us hold breeders to account.”

“Dog owners should be held accountable for their animals’ actions, any dog can be good if it has the opportunity to do so.”