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Dogs (DNA Databases)
07 July 2021
Lead MP
Andrew Griffith
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Andrew Griffith raised concerns about dogs (dna databases) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
This Bill seeks to create a national register of doggy DNA as a more secure, more humane and better long-term alternative to microchipping. It aims to fight crime, improve biosecurity, help the UK’s leadership in animal genomics, and repay the loyalty of the nation’s faithful four-legged friends. The Bill addresses current issues such as dog theft, which reportedly increased by 250% in 2020, and tackles dog fouling, which has been linked to toxocariasis, a parasite that is a particular risk to young children. It also seeks to unify existing microchip registers into a nationally standardised format.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
The Bill would provide a single, consistent point of contact for updates, making it easier for owners and authorities to get the information they need. It addresses concerns about microchips being inserted incorrectly or cut out by thieves, while offering a non-invasive DNA swab inside a dog’s mouth as an alternative. The cost of genome sequencing has fallen rapidly, with a whole human genome now costing less than $300 and expected to fall further. A phased introduction over a decade would allow for the expansion of pet testing and cost reduction.
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