SIX months after the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in England, a chief vet has questioned whether the scheme will be effective in the long term.

Figures reported by animal charity Dogs Trust recently showed more than 4,700 stray dogs in the UK last year could not be reunited with their owners due to outdated microchips.

This is equivalent to one in eight pets. Just under 3,500 stray dogs were put down.

Owners who fail to have their dog michrochipped or maintain current contact details are liable to a fine of up to £500 under the new law, which came into force in April.

Andrew Bucher, chief veterinary officer at MedicAnimal, said problems remained with microchip costs and awareness, despite the new law.

“We continue to support the initiative and welcome the fact there has been a decline in the number of stray dogs handled,” he said.

“However, in the event of moving house, changing phone numbers, or updating health details of your pet, I suspect not only does it fall low down the priority list, but many will baulk at the additional cost of amending microchip data.

“It needs to be convenient to the owner, allowing them to do it online or, at the very least, free to update when they visit the vet - £15 each time is utterly ridiculous.”

He added any future initiative to microchip cats, for example, must take into consideration the practicalities of cost and owner awareness of the schemes.