More than 22,000 dogs have been microchipped, bringing them under the protection of the law by creating a traceable link to their owners.

The microchip has to be inserted in all dogs under a new law. So far, more than 22,000 dogs have been microchipped. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Thousands – mainly strays – still not microchipped

Microchipping acts as a deterrent to owners who abandon their dog and organisers of illegal dog fights, according to a Resources Ministry spokesman.

Owners can be easily traced and identified and, if need be, prosecuted as their details and that of the dog are stored on the tiny chip, which is injected between the dog’s shoulder blades.

The data is kept in the national livestock database.

Describing it as a “positive number”, the spokesman said there were thousands of dogs – mainly strays – that were still not microchipped and urged those who had not yet licensed their dogs to do so.

Microchipping, which is now compulsory under new laws on animal cruelty, was brought into force through a legal notice and is expected to cut the number of abandoned animals.

The spokesman pointed out that a large number of strays were causing serious problems in certain localities. Such problems ranged from attacks on pets to those on people.

“The situation gets worse when the number of dogs increases, creating packs,” he said.

Not larger than a grain of rice, the microchip is implanted by a vet in the fold of skin between the dog’s shoulder blades – a rather painless procedure – and remains active throughout its lifetime.

The information on the chip can then be scanned with equipment that is similar to barcode readers found in shops.

Microchipping replaces the former practice of obliging dog owners to register their pets with the police for an annual fee of €2.3, a practice that cost owners an average of €23. Required since 1918, the police licence for dogs was largely ignored and only 5,000 dogs were on the police registers.

Owners have until the end of June to microchip their dogs. They will not be penalised if they had not paid the police licence in previous years.

Microchipping can only be done by a registered vet at a fee of €10 for neutered dogs and €20 for non-neutered dogs. The price difference was based on the principle that a neutered dog does not lead to more strays. The price includes the microchip, an injection and replacement of the police licence.

Owners also have to ensure that dogs wear a badge with a contact number, proving that the animal is licensed.

Once the registration period is over, spot checks by the authorities will be carried out and any person who has an unregistered dog can be fined €300. Also, if a dog is registered and licensed but the microchip cannot be read because it has been removed or tampered with, the owner can face a €500 fine.

If a dog is sold or transferred, the authorities must be informed within a week and a new licence will be issued free of charge.