I am a big supporter of chips - don't think you should have a dog, or cat, unless it is traceable to you. It is still the best option for everyone...

BUT - a very disturbing article in some of our papers today.

Gangs have started to kidnap dogs after watching pet owning homes and are then demanding ransom money for the safe return of kidnapped dog.
Many people have paid the ransom, sometimes thousands of pounds and had their dogs returned to them. Some owners have been a little delayed in paying the money as they have contacted police, animal charities etc. When they have paid the money their pets have been returned with the all too obvious evidence that the kidnappers have tried to remove the chips!!!