Wandsworth council tenants consulted on compulsory dog-chipping » Local government » 24dash.com

Council tenants in Wandsworth have been consulted about proposals to make having their dog micro-chipped a condition of their tenancy agreement.

Last week around 17,000 letters were sent out to tenants formally notifying them about the proposed scheme.

Micro-chipping will also be offered free-of-charge to leaseholders, and they have been sent letters with their service charge bills informing them of changes to their lease regulations.

The council announced back in June that it was introducing the proposed radical new scheme in a bid to control dangerous dogs and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Depending on the outcome of the consultation, the scheme, which has the backing of the RSPCA, will be officially launched early next year. From then, all new tenants must have to get their animals chipped as part of their tenancy agreement. Existing tenants will have a few months to get their pet chipped before enforcement action is taken.

There are an estimated 4,000 dogs living on the borough's estates. Recording ownership details on a database will help the council deal quickly with strays and take action against tenants who allow their dogs to cause a nuisance.

Wandsworth has long been encouraging dog owners to micro-chip their animals, and runs regular micro-chipping sessions. The council has been at the forefront of dog control measures, and has the largest local authority dog control service in the country.

This radical new micro-chipping scheme is the first of its kind in Britain. The RSPCA will be monitoring it and, if it proves successful, will push for it to be extended nationwide.

The council's executive member for housing, Councillor Martin Johnson said: “The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and have welcomed this scheme, which will enable us to compile a borough-wide database of dogs on our estates.

“Hopefully, now they have received their letters, the minority who are not responsible will realise we are serious about this scheme. If they do not get their animal chipped they will be in breach of their tenancy agreement and will have to face the consequences.”

To find out more about micro-chipping and the work done by the council’s dog control service go to www.wandsworth.gov.uk/dogs.