Introduce a dog traceability system to run alongside Livestock Services

Background

We call on the UK Government to introduce a mandatory DEFRA-run National Dog Register, alongside the Livestock Information Service; to record every dog from birth & track all changes of owner, sale, rehoming, import, export & death, replacing the current fragmented microchip system.

Additional details

Microchips do not prove ownership, which we think makes theft & abuse easy. An estimated 36,965 dogs were handled as strays in 2023-24. A DEFRA register would create birth-to-death records to: Help police & wardens trace a dog’s life quicker and more easily. Reduce £25m/year in police kennel costs (2024/25 estimate). Establish legal ownership, reduce abuse and abandonment. Close loopholes for illegal breeding and exports.

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