THE MICROCHIPPING OF CATS AND DOGS (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2023
The 2015 Regulations came into force on 24 February 2015 and introduced the compulsory microchipping of dogs.
Since 6th April 2016, in England, all keepers of dogs that are older than eight
weeks have been required to have their dog implanted with a microchip.
The details of
the dog and the keeper’s contact details are to be recorded on a database that
complies with specified legislative requirements.
Breaches of the requirements in respect of
microchipping are enforced in accordance with the regulatory regime set out in the
2015 Regulations.
It replicates its provisions and extends the obligation in respect of
microchipping to cats over 20 weeks of age, resulting in equivalent provisions in respect
of the microchipping of cats and dogs.
The obligation to microchip a cat comes into
force on 10th June 2024.
The instrument also makes minor and technical drafting
changes where provisions replicated in it did not adequately set out the policy
intent.
The new legislation can be viewed here.
