New dog microchip law comes into effect
Dog owners now face a fine of up to ÂŁ500 if they haven't had their pet microchipped.
It's now compulsory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped.
A new law has come into effect today which means dogs must be fitted with a microchip by the time it's 8 weeks old, or owners face being fined up to ÂŁ500.
It's to make it easier for lost dogs to be reunited with their owners and tackle irresponsible dog ownership.
More than 1 in 10 dogs still haven't been fitted with a microchip though.
David Milborrow is an RSPCA inspector in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire and told Viking:
"We pick up a lot of stray dogs and dogs that can't be reunited with their owners so it will help trace animals to owners. Also incidents where people are getting dogs for the wrong reasons, when incidents happen between dogs or dogs and people it will help local authorities deal with those issues so it will be beneficial for a number of reasons.
"Locally vets have said they have seen a massive increase recently in the number of owners coming in to get their dogs microchipped. I think the uptake rate is about 80% so there is still a way to go and people should have had it done by now but if they haven't then don't panic and just pop down to your vets and get it done as soon as you can.
"You're not going to get prosecuted straight away, it's a new law but we do want it done. People have 21 days to get their dogs microchipped and people will be given a notice urging them to get it done.
"I appreciate a lot of people say that their dog doesn't go out and is never off the lead but accident do happen and it's that time when you've got builders in or guests and they leave the door open and you'll be kicking yourself. For the sake of a really quick and easy visit to the vets and not an expensive procedure, it will really save you stress in the future."
There were huge queues in Brigg in North Lincolnshire yesterday as dog owners rushed to get their pets microchipped ahead of today's new law coming into force.