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NFU Mutual, recipe which offers insurance for both pet and working dogs, hopes that the new law will make it easier for lost or stolen dogs to be re-united with their owners.
In 2015, the insurer saw an increase in the cost for claims involving working dogs that had strayed or been stolen with the average claim costing £1368 – an increase of 6.3% on the previous year. 91% of these claims were for dogs which had strayed off the premises with just 9% of claims involving dogs that had disappeared or been stolen.
Commenting on the issue, Nicki Whittaker, a Rural Affairs Specialist for NFU Mutual said: “Although many owners worry about their dogs being stolen, our claims data suggests that straying is a much more likely cause for disappearance. Sadly, the majority of these claims involved dogs that were injured by a vehicle whilst straying: in cases such as these, a microchip would make it much easier to locate the owner if the dog is injured or has caused an accident.
“Many people think of working dogs as sheepdogs and gun dogs but, in fact there are many thousands of working dogs in the UK carrying out a wide variety of duties including: guide dogs; assistance dogs; police dogs; security dogs and the mountain rescue search dogs which assist the mountain rescue teams in areas of the UK.
“If people haven’t had their dog microchipped there is still time to get it done and avoid a fine: your local vet should be able to help you and The Dogs Trust has volunteered to fit microchips at its re-homing centres and a series of community events before April 6.”