THE introduction of the new microchipping law that came into force on April 6 is, I believe, is a step in the right direction, as it will make it easier for lost dogs to be reunited with their owners.

However it’s unlikely to address the serious issues of puppy farming, the vast numbers of neglected or poorly treated dogs and irresponsible owners.

For responsible dog owners there’s nothing worse than their beloved dogs being lost.

For many it’s like losing a child.

But wouldn’t a responsible dog owner already have their dog microchipped just in case they went missing? In my experience the answer is yes.

I was interested to see that a vet has already spoken out nationally advising dog owners not to microchip their puppies, claiming that eight weeks is far too young and can cause serious adverse reactions.

And then there’s the concern of how effectively councils will be able to enforce the law when their staffing levels have been reduced due to budget cuts. The law certainly appears to be flawed right from the start.

The success of this new law will also be dependent on how many dog owners keep the database up to date and, as always, training a dog is the very best way to prevent a dog from being lost in the first place.

I really hope this new law will make a difference but only time with tell.

  • Sharon Bolt is a dog training expert and founder of Good Dogs. To get Sharon’s free eBook that explains how to get your dog to walk by your side and come back when called off lead go to good-dogs.co.uk