Farmers are being reminded that from today all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and registered on an authorised database in line with legislation designed to tackle irresponsible dog ownership.
This legal requirement applies equally to farm working dogs as it does to pet animals and there are no exemptions for older dogs.
This will mean the UK’s 8.5 million dogs can be returned to their owners more quickly if they wander too far from home, but it will also make it easier to track down the owners of dogs that carry out attacks on people.
Over 86% of dog owners have had their pets painlessly implanted with a microchip and their details updated on a national database.
This is vital to reunite over 102,000 dogs which are picked up from streets having strayed or been stolen every year.
The government expects local authorities and charities, which would otherwise feed, kennel and home dogs, to make £33 million in annual savings were these dogs microchipped and returned to owners.
NFU County Adviser Samantha Davies said: "Working dogs including sheep dogs and retrieving breeds are commonplace on farms and many farmers have more than one.
"Having heard some anecdotal reports that farm dogs are thought to be exempt, we are keen to emphasise to all our members that this is not the case."
Farming Minister George Eustice said: "Every responsible dog owner wants to know their pet is safe.
"Microchipping will not only reunite people with their lost or stolen pets, but also help to tackle the growing problem of strays roaming the streets and relieve the burden placed on animal charities and local authorities.
"We are a nation of dog lovers and microchipping is crucial for both good dog welfare and to provide dog owners with peace of mind.
Microchipping generally costs £15-£40 when carried out by a vet, but a number of charities are offering to do this for free or in return for a donation.
The cost of having a dog chipped usually includes the initial registration fee, but a small charge may apply when updating details on the database.
The keeper of any dog found not to have a microchip, or with incorrect details on the database, will have 21 days to comply with a legal notice before receiving a £500 fine. Beyond this, authorities will have the power to seize a dog and chip it at the owner’s expense.
