Pet Microchip - Rescue Back-Up

There is a new Government Petition - please sign and share.
Don't forget to confirm your email address by following the link you are emailed, your signature will not be counted until you click the link you receive.

Sign HERE

Petition Text:

Ban removing Rescue Back Up details from pet microchips & make them permanent

Rescue Back Up details registered on microchips can be removed by authorised external users like alternate rescuers, without informing the original rescue organisation.

We call on the Government to amend Microchipping Of Cats and Dogs Regulations to ban the removal of Rescue Back Up details and other important welfare information registered on microchips, create a permanent audit trail, and automatically notify registered rescue organisations of any attempts to remove these details.

When a rescue or breeder register their RBU details on the microchip of a pet they rehomed, they may do so on the basis that it will remain there so they can be contacted if the pet is vulnerable. Authorised users with access to microchip databases, can remove original registration or rescue back up details without telling the original rescue, breeder, owner, keeper or rehoming centre, which can leave them unable to trace their dog or offer lifetime protection.

Petition Update-Central Microchip Portal to help reunite missing pets

You can sign and re-post the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/748648 open until 5th June 2026. 

At 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Now that the petition has reached over 10,000 signatures, the Government has issued a written response which can be read in full on the petition link.

Defra have stated:

Defra is currently working with the Association of Microchip Database Operators to develop commercial solutions that will provide easier access to microchip records for authorised users.

Since the introduction of compulsory dog microchipping in 2016, the number of compliant database operators has risen from 4 to 24. Whilst the growth in the number of database operators has resulted in more choice for consumers, it has made it harder for approved users such as vets to access records quickly.

To address this, as set out in the Animal welfare strategy for England,

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-welfare-strategy-for-england/animal-welfare-strategy-for-england)

Defra is working with the Association of Microchip Database Operators (AMDO) to develop improvements to the way the microchipping regime currently operates. AMDO is currently testing industry-led solutions that will enable authorised users to access information contained on the databases digitally through a single point of search.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

New Microchipping Regulations come in:

 

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.

 This instrument revokes 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.

Dog Microchipping - New Law:

Compulsory dog microchipping comes into force this month - applying to all dogs.

From 6 April 2016 all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales will be legally required to be microchipped and their up-to-date details registered on one of the authorised databases. (Northern Ireland has already introduced this measure.)

From the 6th of April 2016, all dogs must be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old.

If a keeper of a dog which is not microchipped gets served with a notice requiring them to have the dog chipped, they will have 21 days to do this.

There are no exemptions regarding age. A dog will be legally exempt from being microchipped only when a vet certifies that it cannot be microchipped for health reasons and this needs to done on a form approved by the Secretary of State.

Your dog is considered microchipped when:

~ implanted with a microchip

and

~ the correct details are registered on an approved database. 

If you do not get your dog microchipped or your details registered on an approved database, then it will be considered as not complying with the regulations and a notice may be served. If the keeper does not microchip their dogs within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.

If any dog keeper subsequently moves address, changes contact telephone number, etc. then they must keep their database details up-to-date.  Failure to do so means that enforcement can be taken and a notice served. If the keeper does not get their details up to date within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.

Defra Announcement - what is proposed:

The Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) made a long-awaited announcement on 6th February 2013 putting forward a package of measures it believes will tackle welfare and irresponsible dog owners; these measures will apply to dogs and their owners in England.

 

Here we take a look at what Government plans to do, no opinions on this article (EDDR submitted written reports to the Defra 2010 Consultation, the Defra 2012 Consultation and most recently the EFRA Select Committee).

 

Here are the facts from what is presently known.

Background:

Defra ran a public consultation ’promoting more responsible dog ownership’ from April to June last year and sought opinions on four specific proposals:

1. A requirement that dogs are micro-chipped with details of the owner.
2. A change in the criminal law in section 3 of Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to extend the offence of a dog being dangerously out of control to all places, including private property.
3. Allow owners of dogs seized as suspected dangerous dogs or prohibited types to retain possession of their dogs until the outcome of court proceedings.
4. Increase the application fee for prohibited dogs to be placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs

They received 27,000 responses; the results of this consultation have been now been published.

 

Defra (under the previous government) held an earlier ‘dangerous dogs’ consultation between March and ending on the 1st June 2010, they received 4,250 responses; a summary of the responses to the 2012 Defra consultation can be found online here in the Defra archives.

 

What is planned:

 

Here we explain what Defra has announced it now plans and we will be updating our website as more information becomes available:

 

- An extension of section three of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended):

A criminal offence which covers all breeds/types of dog – to be extended to cover private property i.e. inside your home, the proposed extension Defra has said will not provide protection to trespassers who have entered a private property whom the householder believes has unlawful intentions.
This change in law would be passed by an amendment to the current DDA as and when Parliamentary time permits; the detail, in the wording, has not yet been made public.

 

- All dogs in England will need to be micro-chipped by April 2016:

After the 6th April 2016, the owner of a dog found by the police or local authority not to have a microchip will be given a short period of time to comply with the micro-chipping law, if they do not, they will face a fine of up to £500

Dog owner details will need to be registered on an authorised database and contact details kept up to date. Any new owner (e.g. the dog is sold or given away) will need to registered on the micro-chip database.

 

- Increase in the application fee paid to the Index of Exempted Dogs:

It is planned that the fee paid by the owner of a dog deemed prohibited (Sec 1 of DDA) & ordered exempted by the court is raised from the current cost of £24 to £77 plus vat = £92.40.

This increase is expected to be introduced “through a fees order under secondary legislation” and will apply to England, although we expect Scotland and Wales, who have held a separate consultation will also increase the fee.

 

- Seizure and kennelling of suspected prohibited dogs:

Prohibited dogs (section 1 – DDA). It is proposed that it should be no longer necessary for the police to seize and kennel a dog pending the outcome of a court hearing, if the dog is not considered to present a risk to the public; the police will have discretion. An amendment to the exemption scheme is proposed through secondary legislation.

 

(Note: Currently prohibited dogs can already be left at home under the ‘leave at home’ policy – this is entirely up to the police but generally not used. There is currently a requirement that the dog is seized and in police custody at the time of when the legal proceedings take place-the court hearing - it may be that this amendment will remove the requirement for the dog to be seized and held whilst legal proceedings take place, but it is still totally up to the discretion of the police.)

 

- Government Funding:

Government has provided £50,000 shared between the RSPCA, Battersea Cats and Dogs Home and the Dogs Trust for local community projects to encourage responsible dog ownership and funding has been given to the Association of Chief Police Officers to support the training of police officers in dog control legislation.
 

Related News Articles:

 

 Defra Press Release' - 'Free microchip for every dog in England' 6th Feb.

 Written statement from Owen Patterson Defra Minister - 'Tacking Irresponsible Dog Ownership' 6th Feb.

'Control of Dogs' Bill - Wales:

The Welsh government has announced it intends to introduce a new ‘control of dogs’ bill in Spring 2013. If passed through the Welsh Assembly the bill would become new legislation which will be applied to Wales (not England, Scotland or NI).

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones stated that the new bill to ‘tackle dangerous dogs’ will be among the Government’s legislative priorities and said:

“Last year I set out the Welsh Government’s five year legislative programme of over 20 bills to help improve public services and create opportunities for everyone.
“When I announced our legislative programme I said we would consult and engage with the public and stakeholders through Green and White Papers and strike the right balance between what is on the face of an Assembly Bill and what detail is left to subordinate legislation. We have done exactly that."

It isn’t yet possible to read the details contained within the Bill, the pre-ballot information below gives some detail. The main points of change, if passed would be:

• The compulsory micro-chipping of dog by a specified date*
• The extension of section 3 of the DDA** to cover all places
• The introduction of Dog Control Notices which are issued by local authorities and the courts

 * Could be introduced under section 12 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, enforcement would be the responsibility of local authorities.
** Dangerous Dogs Act - section three - applies to all types and breeds of dogs.

The announcement has been made whilst the public consultation, asking for views and opinions on the compulsory microchipping of dogs, is still in progress (ending on 8th August).

Bill-041 - Julie Morgan - Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill
Pre-ballot Information - Policy Objectives of the Bill:

1. Owning a dog brings many responsibilities for the dog owner and the Bill will highlight these and seek to promote the welfare of dogs through responsible care and control by owners.

2. The law currently requires every dog to wear a collar and identification disc specifying the name and address of the owner. However, in practice this legal requirement neither deters theft of a dog nor provides a fail safe way of identifying and tracing the owner of a dog. The fitting of an electronic transponder to a pet (commonly called “micro-chipping”) is now recognised by animal welfare agencies as the most effective and secure way of permanently identifying a pet. A unique identification number is registered to the animal and the owner's details are placed on a national database.

3. The Bill will provide for the compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Wales by a specified date, the setting up and management of such local and national databases as are necessary, and the compulsory registration of information including the unique identification number and name and address of the owner with sanctions, including penal, where an owner or other relevant person in charge of a dog fails to do so.

4. The Bill will focus on the "deed not the breed" approach in tackling irresponsible dog ownership and will seek to identify dogs which are deemed “out of control” at an early stage with a view to taking measures which are likely to change the behaviour of these dogs and their owners before the dogs become dangerous.

5. The Bill will widen the scope for local authorities and courts to intervene where a dog's behaviour is deemed to be out of control. The Bill will define categories of persons in charge of a dog and their responsibilities and set out the circumstances when a dog is deemed to be out of control. It will set up a scheme for bringing dogs deemed to be out of control back within control, harnessing the expertise and skills of existing local authority officers, relevant persons in the employment of animal welfare agencies and others. The Bill will make provision for Welsh Ministers to issue guidance where appropriate.

6. The scheme will, inter alia, empower a local authority to serve a notice in writing on a person in charge of a dog when it is satisfied that the dog is deemed to be out of control. The purpose of the notice is to ensure the person having charge of the dog brings and keeps the dog under control. The Bill will provide that a notice can require a person in charge of a dog to take one or more stipulated steps including:

a) If the dog is not already micro-chipped, comply by a specified date;
b) ensure the premises where the dog is kept are suitable, appropriate for its welfare and safety and secure;
c) keep the dog on a lead and muzzle it at specified times and/or in specified places;
d) keep the dog out of specified places or areas;
e) neuter the dog if male; and
f) together with the dog, undergo and successfully complete an accredited training course in the control of dogs.

7. This list in paragraph 6 is illustrative and not exhaustive; Welsh Ministers will be empowered to add by Order other steps which may be included in the notice; other steps which the local authority in the exercise of its discretion considers necessary may also be included in the notice.

8. The Bill will provide for other information to be set out in the notice, empower Welsh Ministers to prescribe its format and afford a right of appeal to the courts against the service of the notice or its content together with a right to apply to vary or discharge the notice after a period of time in force and a right of appeal against refusal.

9. The Bill will place a duty on local authorities to keep a record of notices served and monitor and enforce compliance. It will also empower a local authority to apply to the court for an order destroying a dog where a dog is out of control and dangerous or unresponsive and it is inappropriate to serve a notice

10. The Bill will confer on the courts:
a) power to enforce and effect compliance with a notice;
b) where the court thinks fit, power to direct a local authority to serve a notice, the court to specify the steps to be included in such a notice;
c) power to make a destruction order in the circumstances described in paragraph a) above; and
d) such other powers as are necessary.

11. The Bill will also amend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 so that a dog owner can be held criminally responsible where a dog is found to be dangerously out of control in any place (rather than, as is the present case, only a public place or private place where a dog is not permitted to be). This will meet the case of postal and other workers vulnerable to attack when the individual’s work expressly requires him/her to enter on to premises where a dog is permitted to be.

12. The Bill will provide for any consequential amendments or repeals of existing legislation applicable in Wales within the Assembly’s legislative competence.

A public consultation seeking views on the compulsory microchipping of dogs was held by the Welsh Assembly and ended on the 8th August 2012.

Defra Public Consultation-Dogs & the Law

There is still time to have your say on the Defra Public Consultation 2012

This is a public consultation which was launched on the 23rd April 2012 and ends on 15th June 2012.

In April the government announced a package of proposals which they support to ‘tackle irresponsible dog ownership’.

The last Government held a public consultation on the issue of ‘dangerous dogs’ two years ago (full details on our web site.

The current government plans to introduce new measures, some of which will affect all dog owners in England, including

•Extending the criminal offence of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control to private property (where the dog has a right to be);

•Compulsory micro-chipping of dogs;

•Removing the need to seize and kennel all dogs where court proceeding are pending; and

•Increase the fee for placing a dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs

How you can respond:

Anyone may reply to this consultation. Defra would like to hear from anyone with an interest in responsible dog ownership, including: enforcement agencies; people working with dogs; animal welfare organisations; dog keeping organisations; and the general public.

Responding Online:

You can complete the survey on-line at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/dogsconsultation2012
(This survey does not collect any personal data.)

Responding by Email:

Alternatively, you can e-mail your response to: animalwelfare.consultations@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Responding by Post:

You may also send your comments, or any requests for copies of the documents, by post to:
Dangerous Dogs Team
Animal Welfare
Area 8B, 9 Millbank
c/o 17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

Any comments on the proposals in this consultation document need to be sent in by 15 June 2012.

Microchipping of Dogs - Welsh Consultation:

Welsh Government Public Consultation 2012 – Microchipping of Dogs:

This consultation will consider whether all dogs in Wales should be microchipped, new plans were put forward this month by the Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

A public consultation, where you can have your say, will run from 16th May 2012 until 8 August 2012. We contacted the Welsh Government to clarify who can respond and they have confirmed that any individual or organisation can participate-the consultation is not confined to Welsh residents.

How To Respond:

Up to the 8th August 2012

You can participate by using:

- the online form: Respond Online Here
- by email to: companionanimalwelfare@wales.gsi.gov.uk
- by post to: Animal Welfare and By-Products Branch, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Welsh Government News Release:

Minister proposes microchipping for all dogs in Wales. New plans to help improve the welfare of all dogs in Wales have been set out by Environment Minister, John Griffiths. Wednesday 16 May 2012The Minister has launched a consultation that considers whether all dogs in Wales should be microchipped. Under the plans information included in the microchip, including details of the pet’s owner, would be recorded on an approved database.

The Welsh Government estimates that there are currently just short of half a million dogs in Wales and that 30% of households in Wales own at least one dog. The plans are aimed at encouraging all dog owners in Wales to take responsibility for their animals in line with the aims of the Animal Health & Welfare Strategy. The Environment Minister said:

“There’s no doubt that Wales is a nation of dog lovers, with around three out ten households in Wales owning at least one dog.
“We believe that the majority of dog owners in W+ales are responsible and take good care of their animals. As a Government we are committed to building on this to ensure high welfare standards for all dogs.

“Microchipping ensures a permanent identification for animals and only needs to be done once in a dog’s life. It makes it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners, acts as a deterrent against dog theft, and helps to prove dog ownership if there are ever any problems with the animal.
“The consultation sets out five options for how we might drive up levels of microchipping and I welcome the views of all interested parties.”
Compulsory microchipping could:

Improve animal welfare by making it easier to return a stray dog to its owners
Develop responsible dog ownership by ensuring greater traceability of owners
Help to establish liability and prove ownership
Assist in control measures in case of diseases that can be passed from dogs to humans
Deter dog thef

Microchipping of dogs is widely available across Wales. The Dogs Trust is currently offering microchipping at £10 per dog.

The plans to introduce compulsory microchipping are just one aspect of the work to increase dog welfare. The Welsh Government is currently consulting on regulations to control dog breeding and help improve standards of living for dogs. It is also considering bringing forward primary legislation that would help to manage uncontrolled and potentially dangerous dogs.

Fireworks and Dogs - Advice

Safety Tips I Dogs & Fireworks Survival I Long-term Action I Fireworks & the Law

Every year many dogs (and other animals) will be affected as a direct result of fireworks. Fireworks legislation exists but for many the fireworks are still extremely loud and the mayhem seems to start earlier and earlier each year, depending on where you live, with Nov. 5th as the 'main event' there are also other celebrations involving fireworks such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and increased popularity in some areas around Christmas and New Year.

For many of us, there isn’t just one evening of Fireworks, sounding like World War III to cope with, but a whole run up of weeks leading to it which doesn’t end with the loudest blitz on Bonfire Night.

Here we have collated some information regarding the safety of your dog, coping suggestions to help get you through it, long term treatment and current legislation.

Safety tips for you and your dog(s):

Around this time there will be a steep increase in the number of stray dogs picked up and handed in, dogs which have become scared and bolted when out and off leash or having escaped from the home, here follows a few tips to help you and your dog: Please check the following today: Collar & ID Tag: Your dog needs to be wearing an ID tag or a collar with Identification clearly inscribed on it (this is a legal requirement) - check it can be read - can you actually see what it says? The information on it needs to be up to date and securely attached to your dog’s collar. Make sure your dog’s collar is in good condition and fits properly. Microchip: Is you dog micro-chipped? If not now would be a good time to get that done. It’s a simple painless procedure that your vet can do and is relatively cheap – it will make all the difference if you lose your dog. If your dog is already chipped check that you have the number to call should the worst happen. Also make sure your contact details are up to date. Bonfire night is coming and for many dogs it’s terrifying. You may think your dog is bombproof but maybe, this time something will surprise him and he may bolt. If the details on his tag are wrong, or if in the panic he loses his collar, your chances of being reunited with your pet are greatly reduced.

Keep your dog inside the house with you during the worst times, check your garden fencing – is it secure? Does the gate(s) lock?

Don’t leave your dog out in the garden unattended or leave your dog tied up outside the shop or alone anywhere, e.g., in a vehicle, yobs throw bangers & fireworks at animals and find it amusing to wind them up, keep your dog safe.

Keep your dog leashed when out. If you use a flexi leash be extra careful, as your dog suddenly running full throttle to the end of it will cause a jolt which can pull the lead right out of your grasp-you end up with a dog running in a panic with the equipment bouncing along behind, the sudden bang of a rocket etc. can cause the most laid back of dogs to bolt; before they know it they are lost.

Dogs that are known to have a problem with fireworks and are affected are best not left alone at home. As dogs are pack animals, stay with your pet and keep inside when the fireworks are being let off. A dog under stress can sometimes become unpredictable and panic, so double check how safe the inside of your home is, e.g., ornaments, glass doors, open fires.

Never take your dog or any animal to a Firework display, it may be fun for you to watch but keep your dog away and safe.

Getting through it – some survival tips:

Preparation is the key, if your dog has a problem remember your dog feels the need to escape from the source of the fear, your dog may become destructive and/or aggressive, panic, go off its food, have diarrhoea, vomit etc., - your job is to minimize the effects as much as you can, keep your dog safe and seek long term professional help so that fireworks are less of a problem in the future. If you’re worried about your dog’s reactions to fireworks it makes sense to go and visit your veterinary clinic for advice and help.

Exercise your dog earlier; try to have him tired out ready for the evening.

Is the house secure-windows closed, cat flap locked (keep the cat safely inside as well), doors secured etc. and both escape proof and safe should your dog panic?

Draw the curtains/blinds to keep out visual reminders-flashing lights etc.).

Have some familiar calming music on or turn up the TV (not too loud) to help block out some of the noise.

Make sure your dog has access to an area where he feels safe - a 'den' which is away from windows with his bedding and toys inside. Place some of your clothing in here so there is a familiar comforting scent, don’t move his bed suddenly, if you are going to set up a safe area in a specific part of the house, do it a few weeks in advance to give him time to adjust and familiarise himself. To make your dog’s den a place where good things happen - you can feed him in there, hide treats in there, favourite chews etc. so that your dog should want to go into his den-don’t ever force him in.

Offer a stuffed Kong (introduce in advance) toys and/or favourite chew toy to distract; giving him something to do can help relieve stress as it may take his mind off the noise and smell of fireworks in the night air.

Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available and feed your pet a couple of hours before the fireworks in the evening to help relax him (if your dog is likely to vomit and/or have diarrhoea be prepared for this).

You could also try using adaptil dog appeasing pheromone-just search DAP as it’s sold widely online & in pet shops. You can use a DAP diffuser which you leave plugged in all day a couple of weeks in advance (next to your dog’s den or bed is ideal) also available is DAP spray and a DAP dog collar (worn in addition to your dog’s normal collar). The canine appeasing hormone is released into the atmosphere and is odourless, it doesn’t affect humans or other animals and helps relieve general anxiety in dogs.

Natural Remedies can also be useful for behavioural problems in dogs, try Dr Bach Rescue Remedy. Another homeopathic remedy which can also help is called HomeoPet Anxiety TFLN it is designed to promote a sense of calm. Scullcap and Valerian tablets are a herbal combination which some dog owners use to bring relief to their dogs when anxious and nervous. Further details at Dorwest Herbs.

An ‘anxiety wrap’ is a relatively new idea and now available to buy. It is worn by a dog (looks like a dog coat) to help relieve stress during times of fireworks & thunderstorms, you can find out more here: http://www.petsperfect.co.uk/products/Anxiety-Wrap.html

If your dog is affected by the noise – do NOT ever punish him. If you go out and find your dog has been destructive whilst you were gone – don’t punish him, stay calm, tidy up any mess and have a cup of tea! It is a completely pointless to punish him, damaging & extremely unkind to your dog, the bond between you both is affected and likely to make him even more stressed out.

 You and your family members need to remain confident, relaxed and cheery, try distracting him if possible.

Try to yourself remain relaxed and upbeat – conveying the message that there is nothing to worry about.

If you are worried at all – get help and further advice now, the more in advance of the fireworks season the better. Desensitisation programmes take months not weeks so think ahead and visit your veterinary clinic for advice and seek out the assistance of a behavioural councillor who will be able to help your dog.

Don’t forget to keep your cats, other animals and birds safe too.

Long-term Action:

If your dog needs help then once the firework session is out the way it’s time to plan ahead as any good behavioural re-modification programme will take time, effort and patience.
There is no ‘quick fix’ to fireworks phobia, treatment programmes involving desensitisation and counter conditions techniques are available.

We recommend you seek help from a professional canine behaviourist-for advice please contact us and visit your veterinary surgeon.

The Fireworks Act:

The Fireworks Act was introduced in August 2004, it makes it an offence to:

* Be under the age of 18 and in possession of fireworks in a public place.

* Let off fireworks louder than 120 decibels.
* Let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am.

The 11pm to 7am curfew is extended on the 5th of November, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

It is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street.

Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18 years of age.

For a full copy of the legislation (The Fireworks Act 2003) visit: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/22/contents

Further information on fireworks and the law can be found here.

The Animal Welfare Act:

Under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals.

The penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000 or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate.

Written by Amanda Dunckley
Updated 2011
Copyright © Endangered Dogs Defence & Rescue 2011

UK Stray Dog Number Hits Eleven Year High

Indicating One Dog Every Hour Losing Its Life:

The 2011 annual Stray Dog Survey released today by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, reveals the UK’s stray and abandoned dog numbers are at an 11 year high with over 126,176 dogs being picked up by Local Authorities over the last 12 months, an increase of 4% on the previous year which equates to 345 stray dogs being found every day.

Sadly over 6% (7,121) of these strays were put to sleep in the last year by Local Authorities for want of a home which represents an11% increase on the previous year.

These results indicate that 20 dogs are put to sleep somewhere in the UK each day, nearly one dog an hour.

The 15th annual Stray Dog Survey, conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of Dogs Trust, also revealed a large number of dogs were rejected by their owners who refused to claim them once found and identified by local dog wardens. This new trend is worrying as it appears some dog owners no longer view their pet as a valued family member or have not considered the true cost and responsibility involved with owning a dog.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, comments:

“This year’s Stray Dog Survey is not good news for the nation’s dogs. Not only has there been an increase in the number of strays but the sheer volume of dogs being destroyed – 20 a day – is horrendous.

A combination of factors has led to this increase such as a high number of unwanted bull breeds, the economic climate meaning some people can no longer afford to have a dog, and a worrying increase in owners 'disposing' of their dogs when they no longer want them.

We work very closely with the Local Authorities who do their best in a very difficult economic climate. They do not want to put dogs to sleep but they are struggling to cope with such huge numbers of strays and a changing attitude to dog ownership.”

The number of stray dogs reunited with their owner due to a microchip has fallen by 4% to 31%, whilst collar and tag based reunites are at their lowest level ever with just 6% being reunited this way.

This highlights the importance of compulsory microchipping, which Dogs Trust continues to campaign for and most dog wardens regard as an essential step to ensure stray figures do not continue to rise.

Dogs Trust research reveals that if Government were to introduce compulsory microchipping it could save the public purse between £20.5 and £22.8 million per year.

To incentivise the Government, Dogs Trust will be offering free microchipping at all 17 UK Rehoming Centres

Despite this year’s shocking Stray Dog Survey results, the general public seem unaware of the real state of the nation’s dogs with a recent YouGov survey* revealing that nearly all - over 94% - of the public either underestimated or had no idea how many stray dogs there are in the UK.

Over 56% of those questioned also did not know how many dogs are put to sleep each year because they cannot be rehomed.

*YouGov Plc Survey Total sample size was 4347 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 25th August 2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

• You can find out more about the Dogs Trust annual Stray Dog Survey and read the full report online here.