Dog owners in the Welshpool area are being reminded that they have until April to microchip their pets before new regulations come into force.
The Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015 will come into force on April 6 and will require all dogs over eight weeks old to be microchipped and the keepers’ details registered on an approved database.
Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection, said: “I would encourage all dog owners who have not already had their dogs’ microchipped to do so as soon as they can.
“Pet owners are far more likely to be reunited with their animals if they are lost, stolen or injured if they have been microchipped.
“Microchipping is a simple procedure involving the implantation of a small microchip under the skin of an animal using a needle. The unique reference number stored on the microchip must then be registered on a corresponding database with the contact details of the animal’s keeper or owner.”
Dogs will still be required by law to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and contact details on it when it is in a public place after compulsory microchipping is introduced.
For further information about microchipping, contact your vet or a suitably trained pet care specialist. Some third sector organisations are also able to offer support to help individuals get their dogs microchipped.