A new law requiring all horses, ponies and donkeys in the UK to be microchipped was introduced earlier this week by Defra.

Horse owners across the UK will have to comply with the new regulation by October 2020 with the details forming the new Central Equine Database.

The new law has been welcomed by both the RSPCA and the British Horse Council as it will help authorities and police to track down owners that have abandoned and dumped animals and reunite those with missing or stolen animals.

Defra are working closely with vets across the country as well as the British Horse Council to highlight the new regulations and hope the extra time given will allow owners to combine the microchipping with routine visits.