Even dog licences have had their day.

From Sunday (April 1) a new law takes effect meaning that instead of an annual dog licence it will be compulsory for owners to have their dog microchipped instead.

Dog owners are being given a six month lead-in period to ensure their dog is microchipped, which means it’s not until after October 1 that owners could face a £500 fine.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’Microchipping takes advantage of modern technology to replace a somewhat antiquated licensing system while making it easier and quicker reunite a dog with their owner.

’Abolishing an annual licence fee will help reduce the cost of owning a dog - an average saving of £200 over a dog’s lifetime.

’Dog licences have existed for a number of years and I recognise that compulsory microchipping is a significant change in approach. That is why we are delaying enforcement until the autumn, giving owners six-months within which to get their dogs microchipped.’

Microchipping is a one-off procedure that sees a small electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under a dog’s skin.

Each microchip carries a unique code, which can be read by a scanner, giving the dog warden, veterinary practices and the ManxSPCA easy access to the information they need to reach a dog’s registered owner.

Unlike the current licencing system there will be no exemptions for working dogs, meaning all dogs on the island will have to be microchipped.

Microchipping must be carried out by a suitably qualified person, usually a vet, on all dogs aged eight weeks or older.

Dog owners are required to keep their details up to date on the database such as changes to contact telephone numbers and addresses.

Any change in details for the database must be done within 21 days. A keeper who fails to update details may be liable of a fine of up to £500 whilst anyone who fraudulently or negligently enters inaccurate information may be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of up to £1,000.