Greyhound Racing

[Hettster]

Does anyone know why racing greyhounds are required by law to be both microchipped and have ear tattoo(s). I realise its for identification purposes but why use both methods concurrently?

The following extract is from the relevant legislation

ANIMAL WELFARE, ENGLAND

The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010

Condition 4: Identification of greyhounds taking part in races or trials

(1) An operator may only permit a greyhound to enter a race or a trial if it has been checked to ensure that—(a) if the greyhound was born on or after the date on which these Regulations come into force, it is identified with an earmark in accordance with this paragraph; and (b) it is identified with a microchip in accordance with this paragraph.

(2)The earmark referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) must—(a) be a tattoo of a unique number located on the inside of the ear pinnae; and (b) be registered on a database which the operator reasonably believes meets the requirements set out in Part 2 of this Schedule.

(3) The microchip referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b) must—(a) have a unique number; (b) comply with either ISO standard 11784:1996 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785:1996 of the International Standards Organisation’s standards for microchips(a); and (c) be registered on a database in relation to
which the operator reasonably believes the requirements set out in Part 2 of this Schedule are met.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2010/9780111490914/pdfs/ukdsi_9780111490914_en.pdf

[Tuvok]

I would guess that a tatoo could be replicated on any similar looking dog, but microchips are unique?