The Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 mandates microchipping for which age group of dogs?

The Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 mandates that all dogs over the age of 8 weeks must be microchipped. This regulation was introduced to promote responsible dog ownership and to help ensure that lost dogs can be quickly identified and returned to their owners. By requiring that dogs be microchipped at this age, the law ensures that puppies, once they are old enough to leave their mothers and enter their new homes, are registered and traceable. This age threshold is critical because it helps to mitigate issues of identification and ownership at the onset of a dog's time in its new environment. The regulation applies universally to all dog breeds and types, not just certain categories like adult dogs or show dogs, making it a comprehensive measure for all pet owners.