Right of Reply
The director general of the RSPCA responds to a recent leading article about microchipping pets
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE RSPCA has called for pets to be microchipped to trace strays and to assist the RSPCA, police and local authorities in taking action against those who now escape prosecution because ownership of an animal cannot be proven.
The RSPCA recognises that microchipping alone will not end animal cruelty, but your leader article was wrong to suggest that a compulsory identification scheme could not be enforced.
Microchipping all pets is both possible and beneficial, but it is the compulsory identification of dogs - still the most abused animal - which remains the RSPCA's priority. Around 500 stray dogs are destroyed every day in this country by local authorities or other organisations, because homes cannot be found. In response to this unacceptable situation we can either continue clearing up after those who fail to care for their pet, or we can attempt to do something to address the problem.
Governments in France, Australia and Poland have introduced successful dog registration schemes with demonstrable welfare benefits. Identification by microchip will also be compulsory for anyone wishing to travel abroad under the UK's proposed "pet passport" system. Some local authorities, likeBradford and Bristol, run proactive identification schemes which have successfully reduced the stray dog problem in their areas.
Until all dogs are identified, thousands of people will continue to lose their pets permanently and many cruel owners will continue to escape prosecution. As an organisation which most often deals with suffering animals, the RSPCA believes that only a compulsory identification scheme can change this depressing outlook.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments