Have you got your dog microchipped?

This year saw the extension of the new micro chipping regulations to all dogs. This means that since 31 March 2016, all dogs over 12 weeks of age must be microchipped.

Dogs must now be implanted with an ISO compliant chip and registered on an approved database. This can be done by a vet or vet nurse and also by certain persons trained by the Authorised Databases, so as to be familiar with their procedures and systems. A dog should not be chipped and left unregistered.

However, even these trained persons are not legally allowed to implant and register their own dogs or those of a relative as this would involve self-certification.

There are currently four authorised databases: Animark, Fido, The Irish Coursing Club (aka Microdog.ie) and The Irish Kennel Club. The four authorised databases are all members of Europetnet. This acts as a clearing house for databases and ensures that the owner’s details can be quickly located.

An authorised database must provide a certificate of registration which indicates the owner and provides a form for change of ownership to be registered.

Buyers and sellers are also required to indicate that they have verified the identity of the person they are dealing with. If details are not correctly kept up to date, you will remain legally responsible for a dog you may have sold. This will encourage people to ensure registered details are up to date.

The new regulations represent a significant change in the way people are accustomed to buying and dealing in animals. However, these new rules are vital to enable early reunification of dogs with owners and to encourage responsible dog ownership so as to protect against sheep worrying, in particular.

A reputable dog breeder will have ensured that pups they sell are correctly microchiped and vaccinated and have the right paperwork.

Data protection legislation means that databases cannot be compelled to hand over owner’s details other than where a specific crime has taken place, such as a sheep kill or an attack by a dog on a person. Therefore, the microchip data is entirely separate from the dog licence system and dog owners should not be concerned about their details being made available. Nevertheless, the dog licence provides a valuable financial contribution to the work of local authority dog pounds and dog wardens.

The new regulations have been welcomed by many working in the area of animal welfare, as well as responsible dog owners. Many dog owners have already had their animals chipped as the security and peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog can be traced is a valuable comfort for many owners.

The new legislation is made under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides for penalties of fines of up to €5,000.

Website

Further details on Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/dogmicrochipping/