From January 1st 2006 the Irish Kennel Club will require all puppies to be microchipped before applications for registration can be considered.

It is felt that this should go some way towards the identification of pedigree dogs and In time a data base of these dogs and their progeny will be established, thus making it possible to trace the breeders and/or owners should this become necessary.

In the meantime we would encourage all owners of dogs, whether pedigree or non-pedigree, to have them microchipped as this makes it possible to find the owner in the event of accident or, as is sadly often the case, theft.

Wendy Jackson
PRO Irish Kennel Club