Compulsory Dog microchipping comes into force today for all dogs within the United Kingdom
Since 2012, there has been in place a law in Northern Ireland, which has seen it compulsory for dog owners to have their dog microchipped. Today, England, Scotland and Wales follow in Northern Ireland's footsteps; where it becomes compulsory for dogs in England, Scotland and Wales to be microchipped.
Those who do not have their dog microchipped, which seems to be 8 out of 10 people, will have 21 days to have their dog microchipped. After those 21 days, if dog owners have not got their dogs microchipped, they could face a fine of up to £500.
There will be free microchipping available from local authorities and charities such as the Dogs Trust.
The reason for microchipping is so that when a dog goes missing, they are easily traceable to find. Many dogs go missing each year, and some end up in animal shelters. If an animal ends up in an animal shelter, and the dog is microchipped, then it means that the dogs owners can be easily found. It also mean less dogs will be homeless.
Unfortunately, the law only applies to dogs, and not cats. But, animal charities are stating that microchipping for cats should be compulsory too.