Rescue Back Up details registered on microchips can be removed by authorised external users like alternate rescuers, without informing the original rescue organisation.

We call on the Government to amend Microchipping Of Cats and Dogs Regulations to ban the removal of Rescue Back Up details and other important welfare information registered on microchips, create a permanent audit trail, and automatically notify registered rescue organisations of any attempts to remove these details. When a rescue or breeder register their RBU details on the microchip of a pet they rehomed, they may do so on the basis that it will remain there so they can be contacted if the pet is vulnerable. Authorised users with access to microchip databases, can remove original registration or rescue back up details without telling the original rescue, breeder, owner, keeper or rehoming centre, which can leave them unable to trace their dog or offer lifetime protection.