MSPCA reports rise in stray dogs without microchips

The charity says two of five strays taken in between 9 and 11 October were unchipped, which is illegal for dogs over eight weeks old on the island.

Island-wideSun 25 Oct, 10:111 min read

By Manx Wire Newsroom

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The Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) says it is seeing more unchipped dogs arrive as strays or for rehoming, according to a piece published by Isle of Man Today.

Five stray dogs were brought to the charity between 9 and 11 October. Three were microchipped, but only one had up-to-date registration details, allowing the owner to be contacted straight away. The other two had no chip at all.

Microchipping has been a legal requirement for dogs over eight weeks old on the island since 2018, replacing the annual dog licensing system. The charity said an owner of an unchipped dog can be fined up to £500, as can an owner who fails to update their details. Entering inaccurate information on a database fraudulently or negligently can bring a fine of up to £1,000.

The MSPCA said it charges £20 to chip and register a dog or cat.

Chipping cats is not a legal requirement on the island. The charity said it has taken in 37 stray cats so far in 2026, and only 20 per cent were chipped and quickly reunited with owners.

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