The compulsory micro-chipping of dogs, to replace the current licensing system, will improve their welfare.

That’s the view of David Cretney MLC, who guided the Dogs (Amendment) Act through detailed scrutiny in the Legislative Council last week.

’It is expected that compulsory microchipping will improve animal welfare by making it easier to reunite a stray dog with its owner,’ he said.

’The period of confinement for microchipped stray dogs may be reduced, which will subsequently reduce the level of stress for a dog when separated from its owner.’

He said the bill aimed to update the licensing and duty regime for dogs in the island.

’It was identified that current legal requirements did not provide a failsafe way to identify and trace the owner of a dog,’ he added.

’Micro-chipping is now recognised by animal welfare agencies, including the ManxSPCA, as the most effective and secure way of permanently identifying a pet and the amendments in this bill will accommodate that. ’

By removing the licensing regime, he said, dog owners would no longer have to pay an annual fee, although they would be subject to a one-off payment for the micro-chipping of their pet.

’The changes are intended to address problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership and negate the requirement to replace the old and antiquated licensing database, which would cost many thousands of pounds,’ Mr Cretney said.

’Compulsory micro-chipping was introduced in the UK last year and was subsequent to the requirement to have pets microchipped that move between the UK, the EU and other countries.’

MLCs passed the bill through its second reading and clauses stages last week.

It requires a further, third reading, before being sent back to the House of Keys for consideration of some minor amendments.

Under the scheme proposed by the bill, dogs would be micro-chipped, and their information linked to a database.

Readers for the microchips would be held with dog wardens, vets, the police and Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.