According to one of Britain’s most popular dog charities, The Dogs Trust, Northern Ireland has more stray dogs then any UK region. Despite an incredible attempt to rehome these dogs, 1,615 strays or abandoned dogs were destroyed last year.

Northern Ireland has introduced, as from this Easter Monday, a law that requires all dogs to be microchipped. And for all the reasons I have previously mentioned in your excellent publication against the impractical, outdated and defunct dog licensing system.

Microchipping is relatively cheap, it cost me £12 at my vet and it’s a one off application for the dog’s life.

It contains all the relative information about the dog and its owner.

It’s hoped to make people a little more responsible and goes some way to help animal welfare. I know that many animal charities offer a greatly discounted fee for those on welfare benefits.

Westminster and Cardiff are watching Northern Ireland with a view of implementing the same course of action in England.

On a personal note, it would be nice according to the number of missing cats in your paper to apply such legislation to cover cats as well.

Collars with identity discs and a phone number can be useful, but are easily removed intentionally or accidentally if a pet strays.

Much better chance of being reunited with your pet if it’s microchipped.

MIKE FRY, Moorland Crescent, Upton