Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East has called for the compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Scotland following the recent dog attacks which have taken place. The UK Conservative Government to change the law to introduce compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in England and Wales.
The North East MSP has called on SNP Ministers to follow suit and look to introduce a similar change in the law prior to the law change in England which will require all dogs in England to be micro-chipped, by law, from 6 April 2016.
Following a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and Nanette Milne MSP the Scottish Government have agreed to undertake a consultation on compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Scotland. Nanette Milne MSP has received support for the compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Scotland from The Dogs Trust and Guide Dogs.
A recent YouGov survey commissioned by the Dogs Trust suggested that 82% of Scottish adults think micro-chipping should be made compulsory for dogs in Scotland.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East said:
“Recent dog attacks have demonstrated the need for action to be taken to promote responsible dog ownership and address the illegal breeding of dogs. In recent years the number of reported dog attacks have increased with the Guide Dogs charity reporting eight guide dog attacks a month.
“The compulsory micro-chipping of dogs will not stop dog attacks completely but would provide a vital tool that encourages responsible dog ownership and will in turn reduce dog attacks.
“Micro-chipping not only helps to identify dogs and establish proof of ownership but also assists enforcement agencies in tackling anti-social dog behaviour and holding irresponsible owners to account.
“In recent years there have been specific issues relating to puppy farms and the breeding dogs in social rented property. It is therefore hoped that compulsory micro-chipping of dogs can help prevent back street breeding of illegal breeds and above all protect the welfare of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.
“The action which the UK Conservative Government is taking to introduce the micro-chipping “The action which the UK Conservative Government is taking to introduce the micro-chipping for dogs in England and Wales will it is hoped help address the problem of thousands of puppies being imported illegally into Britain. However, I am concerned that if we do not have similar legislation in place in Scotland we could see the problem dramatically increase with Scotland becoming an easy route for the illegal import of puppies into the UK.
“There have been a growing number of horrific dog attack cases involving other dogs and human and it is clear that action needs to be taken in Scotland.
“I hope that the consultation on compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Scotland can provide the opportunity for the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government to look at all these issues and put in place measures which can help towards addressing these problems.”