Dogs: Microchipping Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Hoyle
Main Page: Lord Hoyle (Labour - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Hoyle's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(12 years, 9 months ago)
Lords Chamber
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will introduce the compulsory microchipping of dogs.
My Lords, we are close to finalising a package of measures to tackle irresponsible dog owners, and intend to make an announcement soon. In putting the package together, we have considered and set out the pros and cons of various approaches towards compulsorily microchipping dogs. The final package will cover future government handling of the issue, as well as plans to improve standards of dog ownership.
I thank the Minister for that reply. It is very helpful in itself. Taking the old adage that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners, microchipping would certainly make for more responsible dog ownership. It would also make it easier for dogs that have strayed to be found by their owners. It would cut down on the number of stolen dogs. As a Government who are seeking popularity, it would be highly popular, as 83 per cent of the public who have been surveyed support this.
I am very grateful to the noble Lord for his support for what may indeed be included in the package. It might help the House to know that the cost of rehoming each stray is £1,100. The economic cost to this country of irresponsible dog ownership is enormous, let alone the human damage that can be caused by out-of-control dogs.