Tracey is supporting the benefits of compulsory microchipping and the importance of keeping database details updated as part of National Microchipping Month 2012, has been taking place throughout June.

National Microchipping Month aims to encourage responsible pet ownership through the promotion of microchipping as an inexpensive, quick and painless method of permanent pet identification. The event is run by Petlog, which is owned and managed by the Kennel Club, and has over 6.2 million pets registered, with 70,000 new pets added to the database each month.

Tracey said: “With the recent government announcement regarding compulsory microchipping, this is an issue that is high on the political agenda. A large part of being a responsible pet owner is to ensure that your pets are microchipped, registered to a database and that all details are up to date. As a nation of animal lovers, we all want a quick and successful reunification should our pets go missing, which fundamentally relies on these three components.

 “Our counterparts in Northern Ireland have taken the first steps by introducing compulsory microchipping, which will significantly help reunite stray and stolen dogs with their owners whilst helping save local authorities tremendous financial resources. I support proposals for the implementation of compulsory microchipping in England and throughout the rest of the UK for the benefit of all.”

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club’s Communication Director, said: ‘National Microchipping Month aims to highlight to the public the benefits of microchipping. The importance of microchipping your pet as well as registering and updating your details are crucial in the reunification process and should form a key part of any legislative proposal.

“We are grateful to Tracey for helping to highlight the importance of microchipping and the need to update your details. This method of permanent identification is an essential element in being a responsible pet owner.”

The Kennel Club is working as part of the Microchipping Alliance to campaign for microchipping to be made compulsory for all dogs throughout the UK. The group is collectively promoting the benefits of microchipping and is urging all the UK governments to recognise the importance of this issue.

Petlog have been promoting National Microchipping Month – to find out more information or to get involved, visit www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk