Welfare groups may chip in for dog owners

Animal welfare groups may be able to microchip dogs at subsidised rates for those who cannot afford to pay for a visit to the vet.

The news comes after Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney announced plans to make the microchipping of dogs mandatory.

Mr Coveney is to engage with stakeholders to discuss the proposal in the coming weeks with a decision on the system to be introduced due to be made by the summer.