To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessemnt of the potential merits of introducing compulsory scanning of pets' microchips by vets.

There is currently no obligation on veterinary surgeons operating in Northern Ireland to scan pet microchips. The position is the same in other parts of the United Kingdom.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has, however, recently published an action plan on animal welfare in which it indicates its intention to consider reforms to provide greater assurance that microchip database information is appropriately checked. I will consider any possible outcomes of Defra’s considerations before determining whether any changes are required here.

I am, however, pleased to note that professional veterinary guidance has recently been updated to specifically advise veterinary surgeons to scan microchips in dogs that are presented for euthanisa. The guidance applies to all veterinary surgeons operating in the United Kingdom, including those in Northern Ireland.