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<p>The introduction of compulsory microchipping of all dogs in 2016 has greatly reduced
the number of stray dogs needing rehoming, because the stray dog and their owner can
now be quickly reunited. According to the Dogs Trust’s annual Stray Dogs Survey Report,
the number of stray dogs has dropped from 126,000 in 2011 to just over 66,000 in 2017.
In addition my Department has been working with the Pet Advertising Advisory Group
(a group of animal welfare, pet industry and veterinary organisations) to promote
more responsible advertising of pet animals, and to reduce impulse buying that so
often leads to dogs being abandoned or handed in to re-homing charities. We are also
updating the laws on the breeding and selling of dogs which will require all licensees
to provide relevant information about pet ownership for prospective buyers, so that
informed choices can be made before a purchase is made.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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