The decision that all dogs in Wales will be microchipped by March 2015, following a public consultation last year by the Welsh Government, was given a lukewarm welcome by the Farmers’ Union of Wales today.
In a previous consultation response the FUW stressed that most responsible owners will voluntarily microchip their dogs as a matter of course as the benefits microchipping provides in terms of traceability and identification are primarily to their advantage.
“Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, dogs are already required to be identifiable in public by wearing a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address. Irresponsible dog owners are as likely not to use a microchip as they would a collar, therefore the wider benefits of responsible dog ownership promoted by the Welsh Government may not materialise,” said FUW deputy director of policy Rhian Nowell-Phillips.
“The agricultural industry has suffered increasing problems associated with sheep worrying on farmland so we are extremely interested in any measures which would help mitigate these problems,” added Ms Nowell-Phillips.
“Unfortunately, the union does not believe that compulsory microchipping will have any real impact on irresponsible dog owners who are unlikely to comply and so the decision whether or not to microchip should remain voluntary.
“Less responsible dog owners will inevitably find their way around any legislation and it is for this reason the FUW believes that the promotion of good practice and highlighting the benefits of microchipping should be a priority over legislation.”
Of the estimated 450,000 dogs in Wales, it is estimated that some 58 per cent are already microchipped. This means that there are approximately 190,000 dogs that would need to be microchipped prior to March 2015.