Identification of Dogs

Requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Your telephone number is optional, but is recommended as it would allow anyone finding your dog to call you and reunite you as soon as possible.  There are some exemptions for working dogs.

Microchipping.

Under The Microchipping of Dogs (Scotland) Regulations 2016 (Opens in a new window or downloads a file), keepers are required to have their dog/s implanted with an approved microchip (except if less than 8 weeks old). Keepers also have a legal obligation to ensure that the details registered against the microchip are accurate and updated as required, for example where a keeper's details change or ownership of the dog is transferred to another person.

The new regulations also put a responsibility on breeders and importers to ensure all puppies are microchipped before being sold and moved on to their new homes.

In the event of a keeper failing to comply with the regulations, authorised officers have the power to:

• take possession of a dog for as long as is reasonably required to check whether a compliant microchip has been implanted in the dog;
• and serve a notice requiring compliance within 21 days.

If the notice is not complied with, authorised officers have the power to seize the dog to arrange for a microchip to be implanted in the dog and report the matter to the Procurator Fiscal - this could result in a fine of up to £250.