FARMERS are being reminded that from Wednesday all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and registered on an authorised database.

The legislation, designed to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, applies equally to farm working dogs as it does to pet animals.

The only exceptions to the regulations will be where certified working dogs have docked tails or where the vet thinks that microchipping would adversely affect the dog’s health.

“Working dogs including sheep dogs and retrieving breeds are commonplace on farms and many farmers have more than one,” said NFU county adviser Samantha Davies.

“Having heard some anecdotal reports that farm dogs are thought to be exempt, we are keen to emphasise to all our members that this is not the case.”

Microchipping generally costs between £15 and £40 when carried out by a vet, but a number of charities are offering to do this for free or in return for a donation. It can also be carried out by someone who has been on an approved training course provided, for example, by LANTRA.

The cost of having a dog chipped usually includes the initial registration fee, but a small charge may apply when updating details on the database.

The keeper of any dog found not to have a microchip, or with incorrect details on the database, will have 21 days to comply with a legal notice before receiving a £500 fine. Beyond this, authorities will have the power to seize a dog and chip it at the owner’s expense.