The unluckiest dog breed in the UK is the Whippet, last year we saw 70% of Whippets arrive without a vital microchip, giving them the least likely odds of finding their owners.
To mark the start of the 20-day countdown until every dog in England, Scotland and Wales has to be microchipped by law, we have revealed that the small sighthound is the least likely dog breed to come in with a microchip, making it harder to reunite lost pets with their owners.
In 2015, 70% of the Whippets which arrived at our Home were not microchipped. The second most likely dog to arrive at one of our three centres without a microchip was the Lurcher (46%), followed in third by the Golden Retriever (40%).
Steven Craddock, Battersea’s Intake Manager, said: “It’s really sad for Whippets that last year, through no fault of their own, they had the worst luck in finding their owners because so few had microchips. Any dog has the risk of running away, but Whippets are sighthounds and have strong natural urges to chase things, which can easily lead to a dog going missing.
“The new law making it compulsory to microchip your dog in England, Scotland and Wales, means the luck of the Whippets, and every other dog breed, should be turning around from 6 April. To help anyone who still needs to microchip their dogs, Battersea is offering free microchipping at its three centres in Battersea, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch.”
Lost dogs can be reunited with their owners in just a couple of hours after being brought to a rescue centre, vets or local authorities, if they have a microchip. The chip is as small as a grain of rice and can instantly provide the contact details of the owner. Last year, Battersea reunited 542 lost pets with their owners.
Steven added: “It is heart-breaking to see the look on a dog’s face when it is scared and confused, pining for its owner after being brought into Battersea. We warmly welcome the new law and hope it will mean we get to see many more reunions. To make sure this is possible, owners must make sure their dogs are microchipped and their details are up to date.”
To help encourage those dog owners who haven’t yet got their dogs chipped, we're currently offering free dog microchipping at our three centres.To book an appointment at your nearest centre, please call 0843 509 4444.
If you have lost or found a dog or cat, please visit Battersea’s website to file a report or call the charity’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line as soon as possible on 0207 627 9245 - lines are open between 8am and 6pm seven days a week.
