Overview

This bill mandates that veterinarians in England scan for microchips before euthanizing healthy or treatable pets without behavioral issues. It aims to ensure that attempts are made to reunite lost pets with their owners before euthanasia.

Description

The Pets (Microchips) Bill requires veterinarians in England to scan a pet for a microchip before euthanasia if the pet is healthy or treatable and shows no behavioral problems. This scan must occur upon initial presentation and before a final euthanasia decision. If safe, the vet must contact the registered owner and any backup rescuer listed on the microchip database. The bill allows for regulations to require further steps by vets, mandate that databases indicate the presence of both owners and backup rescuers, limit changes to pet information on databases to registered owners, and specify other data held on databases. The bill applies to England and Wales and will come into force upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, implementation costs are expected to arise from the need for regulatory changes, potential database improvements, and the cost of training for vets regarding new procedures.

Groups Affected

• Veterinarians in England: They will have additional responsibilities regarding microchip scanning and contacting owners/rescuers before euthanasia.
• Pet Owners in England and Wales: Will benefit from increased chances of their lost pet being returned if found in veterinary care.
• Pet Rescuers in England and Wales: Those registered as backup contacts on microchip databases will be involved in the process of locating lost pets.
• Pet Microchip Databases: These databases may need to be updated to comply with new regulations and may incur additional costs.

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