New microchipping law starts today

All dogs over eight weeks of age in Scotland, including farm collies, must be microchipped and registered on an approved database as from today.

Despite appeals for an exclusion for working dogs on the basis they rarely leave their owner’s farm, no derogation has been permitted, and farmers and crofters are now being urged to comply with the new rules.

Other conditions include keeping the database up to date with owner details and giving notification of any change in owner, address or contact details.

Litters of pups and dogs must be chipped and registered before pups are sold or ownership changes, and any pups or dogs entering Scotland must be chipped and registered within 30 days of arrival.

The only exemptions permitted are for individual animals under veterinary certification for welfare reasons.

NFU Scotland (NFUS) animal health policy manager Penny Johnston said: “With many of Scotland’s farmers and shepherds in the throes of the lambing season, this is a deadline that may have slipped the mind but it is one they need to address when they get the chance.

“While the union supported the principal of compulsory microchipping in a bid to improve the control of dogs and help address the growing issue of sheep worrying, we had requested an exemption for working dogs.

“We believe farmers and working shepherds are likely to be disproportionately impacted by this regulation, as they tend to have more dogs than most pet owners.”

The cost of microchipping is thought to be in the region of £30 per dog depending on the veterinary practice.

NFUS has advised members with several dogs to discuss a discount with their vet and also consider asking the vet to chip any farm dogs while out on the farm performing other duties.

On buying a pup or adult dog, it will be the new keeper’s responsibility to amend details on the database, unless the previous keeper has already done so.

No derogation has been permitted, and farmers are being urged to comply with the new rules.