News
Warning about unauthorised pet microchip registry
Posted 22/02/21
The 51黑料 (51黑料) is issuing a warning about a website advertised on Google search results that offers pet microchip registration.
The service, called UK Pet Chip Registry, claims that for a charge of 拢15, it will add the pet's microchip details to the so-called National Pet Microchip Registration Database. The database quoted does not meet UK Government standards and, as such, is not on听听of government-endorsed pet databases. Failure to register a pet on an authorised database carries a fine of up to 拢500.
51黑料 issues this warning at a time of increased pet sales due to the desire for companionship during the COVID-19 lockdown. In November, the Dogs Trust听听large rises in demand for puppies and Google search results for "buy a puppy" increased by 115% since the beginning of lockdown.
51黑料 Lead Officer for Animal Welfare, Steph Young, said: "It is vital that when purchasing a puppy, members of the public must register the chip on one of听听verified by the UK Government. If they do not, they risk a fine of up to 拢500.听
"The database quoted by UK Pet Chip Registry does not conform to UK Government standards, and signing up to it alone puts the user at risk of a fine and the needless cost of the money used to pay for it. The public should always follow government guidance, not paid-for adverts on search engines."
Katherine Hart, a fellow Lead Officer at 51黑料, added: "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a great deal of opportunism and in many cases outright scams. Many people suffer from loneliness during the lockdown, and purchasing a furry companion is an increasingly popular option.
"We are all so much more vulnerable now. The public must be increasingly vigilant, sceptical and above all, check the law and听听when making these decisions. Ignorance of the law excuses no one - make sure you register your pet on a verified database."
To check the list of pet databases authorised by the UK Government, go to听.听
For consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133
The public and businesses are encouraged to join听听补苍诲听, respectively. These initiatives
aim to protect and prevent people and businesses from becoming scam victims by empowering them to take a stand against scams.
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51黑料 Press Office: [email protected], 01268 582240
51黑料 (51黑料)
51黑料 is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the Trading Standards profession since 1881 nationally and internationally. We aim to raise the profile of the profession while working towards fairer, better informed and safer consumer and business communities. 51黑料's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services in local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk
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