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How microchipping laws will affect nurses
Mr Cooper also clarified certain aspects of the regulations, which are set to come into force from 6 April, 2015
New legislation clarified at BVNA Congress

With compulsory dog microchipping set to become law in England next year, veterinary nurses were given an update on key changes at the BVNA Congress today.

Trevor Cooper, of Cooper & Co Solicitors, reminded delegates that some aspects of the law are already in force. For example, it is now a criminal offence not to report adverse microchipping events, including failed and migrating chips, as well as those that result in health conditions.

All such adverse events must now be reported to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

In addition, chips must comply with ISO standards and can only be implanted by somebody who has undergone an approved training course; a vet; or a veterinary nurse under the direction of a vet. Vet and veterinary nurse students may also perform the procedure under a vet's instruction.

Mr Cooper also clarified certain aspects of the regulations, which are set to come into force from 6 April, 2016.

All dog breeders will be required to chip puppies by the age of eight weeks and register themselves as the first keeper. When puppies are transferred to their first home, it will be the legal responsibility of the new keeper to update the details.

Microchips must be registered to the 'habitual keeper' - or, the person with whom the dog normally resides. This has implications for some rescue centres who currently keep the microchips of their dogs registered to their organisation, rather than to the new keeper.

Mr Cooper urged veterinary practices to see the new law as a business opportunity - and to encourage owners to microchip their pets by highlighting the benefits, rather than focusing on the legal implications of failing to comply.

While he said it is unlikely the new law will be stringently enforced, it could offer an opportunity to shut down indiscriminate breeders.

Puppy farmers and 'backstreet breeders' are likely to flout the microchipping law due to cost and wishing to avoid being tracked down. Thus, a puppy buyer who discovers their dog has not been microchipped has an opportunity to report the breeder to the local authorities.

For more information visit www.doglaw.co.uk

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.