In an attempt to cut down on the number of dogs abandoned or lost on the streets of England, the government is ordering all dogs must be microchipped by 2016.
The Guardian reported Wednesday that the new law would take effect on April 6, 2016 and will make pet owners more responsible for their animals. The measure will also help law enforcement track down the owners of vicious or illegal dogs.
Each year about 110,000 dogs in Britain are abandoned or lost, at a cost to the taxpayer and welfare charities. In more than half the cases, the owners cannot be identified.
It's a shame that in a nation of dog lovers, thousands of dogs are roaming the streets or stuck in kennels because the owner cannot be tracked down," Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said in a statement.
"Microchipping is a simple solution that gives peace of mind to owners," Paterson added.
Microchips, which are the size of a grain of rice and are fitted under the skin between the dog's shoulder blades, allow vets, councils and charities to find out who owns a dog if it is thought to be a stray.
The chips hold an electronic record of their owner’s name and addresses, as well as a unique identity number.
The Environment Department says 60 percent of Britain's eight million pet dogs already have microchips.
Officials say once the new law goes in effect, there will be a warning for the first offense if a dog is not microchipped. For a second offense or if the owners refuse to honor the law, will be fined up to $800.
Owners will also have to register the details of any new owner if they sell or give the dog away.
Animal charities, vets and union chiefs have all come out in support of the new law.
There have been growing calls for the government to take action amid concern about dangerous dogs being used as weapons and status symbols in the region.
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