Royal Mail Reminder To Dog And Cat Owners To Update Their Pet's Microchip Information

The CWU was a leading and active member of the Dogs Trust led 'Micro-chipping Alliance' which included around 40 organisations working together to call for the Compulsory Micro-chipping of dogs across the UK.

As a result of strong campaigning the devolved and central Governments responded positively and Compulsory Micro-chipping for dogs is now in force in Northern Ireland, a date for Wales to introduce it is awaited. England and Scotland will introduce it in April (2016).

We see Compulsory Micro-chipping as a further positive step forward in encouraging responsible dog ownership.

It will certainly help repatriate lost, stray and stolen dogs with rightful owners and from our point of view will assist in linking dogs with owners following dog attack incidents as we find in a  number of cases that ownership or keepership is denied or is complex.

Responding to an enquiry from Adrian Burder CEO of the Dogs Trust, Dave Joyce CWU’s National Health, Safety & Environment Officer, wrote to him confirming the details of Royal Mail’s new redirection forms aimed at dog owners.

In his letter, Dave advises:

“I pleased to be able to update you on the new Royal Mail Redirection application forms and Redirection confirmation letters which now have the information requested about reminding Royal Mail customers moving home to update their animals micro chip details.

This was an issue that Clarissa Baldwin asked me to pursue and I’m pleased to say that we’ve finally got there.”

Dave also provided copies of the appropriate forms to be used by the public:

1. Consumer Redirection application form – micro chip wording is at the bottom of the first pink box on the right hand side of the form
2. Special Circumstances application from – micro chip wording is at the bottom of the first pink box on the right hand side of the form
3. Redirection confirmation letter screenshot below – micro chip wording is in the copy of the letter

His letter to Adrian Burder continues:

“To their great credit Dogs Trust have positively led on Compulsory Microchipping and the Microchipping Alliance, of which CWU has been a keen and active member since its inception.

As you know Compulsory Microchipping for dogs is now in force in Northern Ireland. A date for Wales to go live is awaited. England and Scotland aim to go live next April. We see this as a further positive step forward in encouraging responsible dog ownership.

It will certainly help repatriate lost, stray and stolen dogs with rightful owners and from our point of view will assist in linking dogs with owners following
dog attack incidents.

Additionally, Dave Joyce issued letter to branches (LTB340/15) which provides further information on micro-chipping your pet:

For those CWU members who are dog owners and may be concerned about cost implications of Dog Micro-chipping, free Micro-chipping is available throughout the year, across the UK at all Dogs Trust rehoming centres (by appointment) as well as at Dogs Trust 'Free Micro-chipping Road shows' and now is also available at 1500 Local Veterinary Practices across the country! Details can be obtained on a special Website here , or you can telephone the Dogs Trust: 0207 837 0006.

The Micro-chipping process is simple, painless and quick. A tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice is inserted under the dog's loose skin, on the back of the neck. This gives the dog their own unique code. If the dog becomes lost or stolen or is picked up by the police or a dog warden or turns up at a dog pound or dog charity shelter or vet's office, the microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner's contact details, which are kept on a central, Government licensed, database.

In closing can I remind you that Royal Mail/CWU Dog Awareness Week is 29th June to 3rd July and I hope that all Branches and Health and Safety Reps in particular will be supporting the week again this year working along with Police, Dog Wardens, Local Authorities, several Dog and Animal Welfare Charities, Trainers and other organisations.

Full details will shortly be issued but Reps can start giving some thought to organising something locally now!.”

Source: Dave Joyce

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