12 December 2000
 Dog Identification 5 Year Plan |
A new report published by the Dog Identification Group (DIG) is recommending setting a goal
for dog owners of voluntarily, permanently identifying 75 per cent of dogs in England over
the next five years, either by microchipping or tattooing.
DIG's report, published for consultation by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), is an attempt to ensure not only that dogs who stray are returned safely to their owners, but that owners whose dogs misbehave take responsibility for their pet's actions. The group, set up by the DETR in 1999, has been looking at how to tackle the 135,000 stray dogs dealt with by local authorities annually. Annually stray dogs cost: If no active policy is developed to control strays, the report states, the costs over ten years could rise to between £185 - 226 million. DIG recommends that for the time being permanently identifying dogs should remain voluntary. A review after five years or sooner would determine whether the scheme should become compulsory. Funding for the voluntary scheme, including the option of sponsorship, will be considered during the consultation process. A prime consideration will be to ensure that less well-off dog owners are not disadvantaged. DIG's report also recommends setting up a national database of identified dogs and launching a national public awareness campaign. DETR Minister Keith Hill said: "Stray dogs should concern us all. You may be a dog owner who has suffered the loss of a stray pet. Or you may have been injured or had your property damaged. This is a longstanding and difficult issue and it is high time we tackled it. "Permanently identifying dogs, either by microchipping or tattooing, seems a logical step towards dealing with the hundreds of thousands of strays which the police and local authorities deal with every year. It will also ensure that owners take responsibility for the actions of their dogs, and it may save their pet's lives. Each year 17, 000 dogs who cannot be re-homed are put to sleep. "DIG have suggested what they consider is the best way forward and we are now consulting. If a voluntary scheme is agreed, we will look at how best the scheme can be funded. We want to help dog owners look after their pets - not to penalise them for owning a dog. This is an important step forward for responsible dog owners. Now is the time to make their views known." The Working Group was set up to consider the issues surrounding the permanent identification of dogs, with the objective of producing a report to reflect a consensus view on the issue. Members include representatives from the following organisations: The Blue Cross Chartered Institute of Environmental Health The Dogs' Home Battersea The Kennel Club Local Government Association National Canine Defence League National Dog Wardens Association Pet Care Trust The RSPCA Wood Green Animal Shelter |