Report from Microchip meeting at Battersea cats and dogs home.
MICROCHIPPING ‘The Next Steps’
Began with Trevor Cooper on behalf of the MTA- then speakers introduced by Clarissa Baldwin former CEO Dogs Trust.
Barry Webb (Battersea)
Battersea talking about stray dog stats. Increase in microchipped dogs but microchip contact details and unregistered microchips are the main issue.
Peter Scott (veterinary surgeon).
He spoke about the failings and issues onto the databases.One point already known about but still people need to be aware of it UK PET REGISTRY– Databases that pops up first on Google search BUT not compliant and will not be shared when searching for a microchip because its not Defra compliant !Defra can’t stop them! They charge people £15 and many people log on to change their pets details – and those people could be fined £500 for not being on a compliant Database.
Debbie Matthews (Vets Get Scanning)
Great talk by Debbie highlighting the length of time she has continued to [promote her cause and finally is getting recognition and a break through” All can be read on this link http://bit.ly/30orrbj
Mark Callis (LB Wandsworth)
Whart a great talk and wish he could be the template for other councils to follow their lead !!
A member of the Microchipping Alliance and was the first council to make it compulsory for all their tenants to register their dogs on to their own database. Keeps strict controls.
Jacqui Cuff & Madison Rogers (Cats Protection).
Putting the case forward for compulsory microchipping of cats. Due to a technical hitch which did produce some light hearted relief a video loop was played many times of an owner calling out for his lost cat Sooty- Pleased to update he was found.
After a short comfort break it continued ..
Daniella Dos Santos, British Veterinary Association (BVA).
It was stated BVA are moving forward on scanning and that they are talking to Debbie – Vets Get Scanning. They are seeing an increase in microchipped pets but also see a number of stray pets with unregistered microchips.
BVA are going to push scanning during National Microchipping Month in June,
Jacquie Easton (Kennel Club)
An update on their work
Phil Alder (DEFRA)
Unfortunately arrived very late so really missed some really important presentations.
He did say “I thought we had finished with the regulations, but maybe not!” How true – he should have been there to hear the other speakers but I know Debbie did update him with copies of hers!! WELL DONE DEBBIE
He is interested in people views on Microchipping- so plese feel free to update him on any issues you have philip.alder@defra.gov.ukcc.debbie.peters@defra.gov.uk
The meeting ended with Panel discussion with Daniella, Jacquie, Mark, Phil and Clarissa.
Most questions were aimed to the databases but due to time it was not possible to ask many questions.
Main points are micro chipping works – but needs tighter controls.
Owners who just do not update when they move or change phones.#Breeders who should sell the puppy chipped and registered but are handing the forms to new owners to register – this then stops a Complete register of owners if the need to back track. This is also a way of SOME breeders being able to mask the number of litters they are breeding from councils
Imports from abroad with foreign chips- not being listed on a UK compliant data base.
Other implanters are also passing on paper work for owners to register-
Some do not realise – so do not do it
Some say cannot afford the fee??? Even with FREE microchipping – its a small price to pay to secure details of your new dog!
Dogs re homed or sold on – again new owners details are not updated.
Its was mentioned that EVERYONE that microchip should be responsible and update immediately on computer when they microchip a dog!
I am sure the discussions could have continued for hours but the need to enjoy the delights of London traffic forced us to leave and journey home.
These links kindly supplied b Debbie Matthews are useful for more information.
Dr. Daniel Allen’s ‘Spatialities of Dog Theft: A Critical Perspective’https://www.mdpi.
Ross Thomson MP and Professor John Cooper QC’s Pet (Theft) Bill:- https://publications.
RCVS flow chart:- https://www.rcvs.org.
Beverley Cuddy, Dogs Today Magazine and SAMPA Patron.
Magazine before the Pet Theft Debate, August 2019:- Pet Theft document brief:- http://bit.ly/
After the Pet Theft Debate:-
https://cdn.fbsbx.com/…/pet-
Three live PETITIONS to protect our pets, please support all – our pets are worth it:-
Pet Theft Reform: Amend animal welfare law to make pet theft a specific offence:- https://petition.
Introduce mandatory measures to prevent reselling/euthanasia of dogs:- https://petition.
Make it illegal to change a pets microchip without the existing owners consent:- https://petition.
Sandra Watt 2 years ago
Really enjoyed reading this article. Thanks to CJ for taking the time to attend the meeting. Microchips do help get pets home but still lots of work needing done to get everyone on board.