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Warning over scam microchip registry
The database quoted by UK Pet Chip Registry does not conform to UK government standards.
Website claims to add pets' details to a national database that does not meet government standards.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning about a website advertised on Google that offers pet microchip registration.

The website, named UK Pet Chip Registry, claims that it will add the pet's microchip details to a so-called National Pet Microchip Registration Database for a charge of £15. 

The CTSI states that the quoted database fails to meet government standards for pet microchipping, and therefore does not appear on the list of government-endorsed databases.

The warning comes amid a rise in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Late last year, Dogs Trust reported a spoke in demand for puppies, and Google searchers for 'Buy a Puppy' increased by 115 per cent since lockdown began. 

"It is vital that when purchasing a puppy, members of the public must register the chip on one of the 15 databases verified by the UK government. If they do not, they risk a fine of up to £500,” commented Steph Young, CTSI lead officer for animal welfare.

"The database quoted by UK Pet Chip Registry does not conform to UK government standards, and signing up to it alone puts the user at risk of a fine and the needless cost of the money used to pay for it. The public should always follow government guidance, not paid-for adverts on search engines."

Katherine Hart, a fellow Lead Officer at CTSI, added: "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a great deal of opportunism and in many cases outright scams. Many people suffer from loneliness during the lockdown, and purchasing a furry companion is an increasingly popular option.

"We are all so much more vulnerable now. The public must be increasingly vigilant, sceptical and above all, check the law and UK government advice when making these decisions. Ignorance of the law excuses no one - make sure you register your pet on a verified database."

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."