BVA welcomes MP support for compulsory dog microchipping

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the parliamentary support given to a new early day motion (EDM) which suggests that domestic dogs should have compulsory microchips fitted.

MPs from all political parties have shown support for the proposed move, which has been championed by the BVA for some time and has also been endorsed by the Dogs Trust and National Office for Animal Health.

The EDM states that the implementation of such a move would help to improve the overall welfare of animals by making them easier to track if lost, as well as helping to trace puppy-farmed dogs.

Professor Bill Reilly, president of the British Veterinary Association, suggested that the chips could also help with reporting of hereditary health problems and surgical procedures among animals.

He added: “I would urge all members of parliament to show their support for dogs and their owners by signing this EDM.”

This comes after the Welsh Assembly Government announced last week that it will be introducing compulsory microchipping for certain dog breeds, a move praised by the BVA as “fantastic news”.