Dog microchipping law comes into force

Dog owners in Scotland who have not microchipped their pet will face a fine of £500 after today, as a new law comes into force.

The legislation requires every dog over 8 months to have a microchip with the owners details implanted under the skin.

The Scottish Government says microchipping can help re-unite dogs with owners where the dogs have been lost or stolen.

The Dog’s Trust charity welcomed the legislation. Veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust is striving for the day when all dogs can be free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. Microchipping is the most effective permanent way to assist in a lost dog being returned to their owner which in turn reduces the number of healthy dogs unnecessarily put to sleep.”

Wales and England also introduce it today. Northern Ireland made microchipping of dogs compulsory from the April 1, 2012.