Tag Archives: microchipping

DOG theft has been raised with the Department of Justice by Deputy Cathal Crowe, who has sought clarity on plans to tighten existing legislation.  The Fianna Fáil member asked Junior Minister James Browne to make a statement and was told that changes to the legislation may be considered.  Responding to Deputy Crowe’s question, Minister Browne described dog theft as “an incredibly cruel crime which causes huge trauma for pet owners”. “I fully appreciate the strong emotional attachment we all have to our pets and that theft not only leads to their loss in our lives, but also a high level of concern for their welfare,” he said. “It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.” Minister Browne noted that, in sentencing, judges look not only at the monetary value of the pet but also the emotional distress caused to the …

September has been designated ‘National Chipping Month’ when dog owners can avail of free or reduced-price microchipping, as part of a nationwide campaign. Thousands of lost and stray dogs are destroyed in Irish pounds every year. But a simple microchip, no bigger than a grain of rice, can effect a successful reunification without delay and implantation is painless. “Alert to all dog lovers like myself: did you know that there are over 100,000 dogs out there with an incorrectly registered microchip? Were you to lose your pet it would be impossible to reunite you”, cautioned RTE news presenter, Sharon Ni Bheolain,who is backing the campaign. One in three dogs in Ireland is currently chipped but microchipping will be compulsory under the new Animal Health and Welfare Act by 2016. National Chipping Month is being promoted by veterinary practices, animal welfare organisations, re-homing centres, local authority pounds, pet retail outlets and charities around the country. Those with chipped pets are also …