Dog owners are reminded that they must continue to licence their pets while legislation that will introduce compulsory micro-chipping is considered by the branches of Tynwald.

It is a legal requirement for dogs to be licenced and, when outside their premises, to wear a collar and identification disc bearing the owner’s name and address.

From 1st April 2017, dog owners will pay ?20 a year for a licence. There is a reduced fee of ?10 for dogs that are neutered, micro-chipped or owned by over-60s. Working, rescue and registered assistance dogs do not need licences.

Dog licences can be obtained from Isle of Man Post Office counters.

The Dogs (Amendment) Bill is before Tynwald for consideration. It will introduce compulsory micro-chipping of dogs and abolish licensing.

A DEFA spokesman said: ‘The requirement to licence dogs continues until the legislation has received consent and a commencement date is announced.’