ICSA has been calling for such compulsory microchipping for many years, and has strongly welcomed the Minister’s proposal as a solution to many of the current problems relating to Ireland’s dog population such as straying, rehoming, theft, livestock worrying, animal cruelty and dangerous dogs. This submission makes a number of recommendations relating to the implementation of microchipping, including:

• Equal chipping rates for all dogs, regardless of purpose
• Restriction of chipping practice to registered vets, dog wardens and staff of approved dog shelters
• Minimising of costs
• Education regarding requirement of addition of chip data to a database
• Clarity regarding protocol during change of ownership

ICSA aim to play an active role in any publicity campaign during the microchipping rollout.