Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

The number of stray dogs has fallen to the lowest level in 20 years after compulsory microchipping was introduced, data has suggested. 

Around 95 per cent of UK dogs are now fitted with a microchip with their owner’s details that mean pets can be reunited with their families if they are lost or stolen, data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show.

They have enabled thousands of dogs to be reunited with their owners and the Dogs Trust’s annual survey found the number of strays fell last year by 21 per cent to the lowest levels since the survey began in 1997.

It is excellent to see that so many owners have taken action to get their dogs chipped Animal Welfare Minister Lord Gardiner

Now, on the anniversary of the introduction of compulsory microchipping, owners are being reminded to make sure the details on the chips are up to date so they can be easily contacted if their pet is lost or stolen.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Gardiner said: “Thanks to microchipping, thousands of dogs have been reunited with their owners and the number of stray dogs is now at a record low.

“It is excellent to see that so many owners have taken action to get their dogs chipped – a painless process for dogs which many charities will carry out for free.