From Friday, April 1^st, all dogs must be microchipped and registered. Dog owners must hold a government-approved certificate to prove that the dog is chipped. The new regulations mean it will be illegal to pass a dog onto another person, even if there is no payment, without the dog being microchipped. The regulations have been implemented to tackle the number of roaming dogs on the street and in the countryside. It will also act as a means for owners to be reunited with their beloved pets. According to RTÉ, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney welcomed the regulations. "Widespread microchipping of all dogs brings a range of benefits including the protection of the welfare of dogs and assist with speedy identification of stray dogs and their owners,” he said. "It will act as a deterrent for those who abandon dogs and assist in identifying marauding dogs and those that pose a threat to livestock or people." Those in breach of the new regulations will face a fine of up to €5,000. Now here are some pictures of puppies.

A photo posted by Lola Barksdale (@lolabarksdale) on Mar 29, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT

A photo posted by FOR PUPPY & DOG LOVERS (@pupflix) on Mar 29, 2016 at 5:36pm PDT

A photo posted by My Dog Is Cutest (@mydogiscutest) on Mar 29, 2016 at 5:14pm PDT

A photo posted by ?Khloe? (@khloe.bear_xoxo) on Mar 29, 2016 at 9:51am PDT

A photo posted by Brenna Klomp (@louis_the_cockapoo) on Oct 22, 2015 at 6:42am PDT

A photo posted by Puppy (@puppystagrams) on Mar 28, 2016 at 6:00pm PDT

A photo posted by Bernese Mountain Dog Lovers (@bernesemountaindoglovers) on Mar 29, 2016 at 8:03pm PDT

A photo posted by Puppies For All! (@puppiesforall) on Mar 28, 2016 at 7:40am PDT

A photo posted by Loveabully.org™ (@love.a.bully) on Mar 24, 2016 at 8:30am PDT

A photo posted by Loveabully.org™ (@love.a.bully) on Mar 23, 2016 at 8:58am PDT

A photo posted by We Love Doods! (@doodletales) on Mar 29, 2016 at 7:20pm PDT