Should owners who don’t microchip their dogs get them back if they’re lost and subsequently found?
Microchipping your dog, as well as having them wear a tag, is now mandatory as well as a fundamental part of good ownership. As collar and tag can be lost or removed, microchipping is extremely important: despite a flawed legislation (scanning a lost dog for a microchip is considered “good practice” but is not mandatory) it can be your dog’s best chance to be reunited with you if lost or stolen – the difference between being reunited or being put to sleep.
People who fail to microchip their dogs currently face a fine up to £500. However, some argue that failing to microchip one’s dog is a sign of irresponsible dog ownership and that the dog, if lost and then found without a microchip, should not be returned to them and rehomed with someone else. Others say that it would only increase the number of dogs in shelters, and that a fine would suffice.
What do you think? Tell us your opinion in the Facebook thread below, or write to