The government has unveiled plans to have all dogs microchipped within a year.

Compulsory microchipping will be rolled out on a phased basis - beginning with puppies in September this year, and will be expanded to all dogs by March 2016.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney says the scheme will make it easier to re-unite stray dogs with their owners, and also help to clamp down on illegal trafficking.

A  microchip is also required for a dog passport, which is needed when moving a dog out of the State.

If dogs are already microchipped, this will reduce the cost associated with getting a dog passport.

Mr Coveney said: "Widespread microchipping of all dogs will have a number of positive benefits. It will provide a basic tool to protect the welfare of all dogs and assist with speedily uniting stray dogs with their owners."

Furthermore he said it will act as a deterrent for those who abandon dogs, and assist in identifying those that may pose a threat to livestock or people.

New regulations will require that the microchip used be ISO compliant, and that its details are registered on a database.

Mr Coveney also welcomed the fact that the cost of the implanting of microchips and data registration services has been falling.