Owners could be collared if dogs not chipped

From tomorrow all dog owners will be required by law to have ensured their pet is both microchipped and registered on an authorised database.

After April 1, it will be illegal to give a dog to another person, even for free, unless the animal has been microchipped. If a dog is found not to have a microchip the owner could face a fine of up to €5,000.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said the microchipping programme had been rolled out on a phased basis, commencing with pups last year.