Microchipping is a permanent method of identifying your dog. The event is being held at the Duke of York Gardens in Grimsby, between 10am and 4pm.

Since the monthly programme started in September, nearly 280 dogs have been chipped for free, with the last event in Nunsthorpe in January chipping 84 dogs alone. Breeds have included Rottweilers and Poodles as well as more unusual breeds such as Shar Pei, Bichon Frise and Spanish Water Dogs.

Dogs Trust CEO, Clarissa Baldwin OBE said:

“Microchipping is a huge part of being a responsible dog owner. We’re grateful to have the support of North East Lincolnshire Council and be able to offer this service to more dog owners. A microchip can offer greater security should your dog stray, providing your contact details are kept up to date. We would like to encourage all dog owners living in the area to come along.”

For more information about the event contact Community Pride on (01472) 325823.

For more information about the Dogs Trust visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Notes:

Benefits of Microchipping are as follows:

• All puppies are traceable to their breeder thereby helping reduce the problem of puppy farming and lessening the incidence of infectious disease and inherited defects from which many of these dogs suffer.
• Deterrent to dog theft.
• Allows for rapid return, meaning that local authorities are able to emphasise to the dog owners concerned that straying is not acceptable, the intention being that this education will lessen the likelihood of a dog straying again and reinforce the responsibilities of the owners under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
• Easier identification and subsequent arrests of owners culpable of animal cruelty.
• Enables veterinary surgeons to contact dog owners for emergency procedures.
• Allows identification of dogs in properties in emergency situations so that dogs and owners can be moved and reunited more quickly.

Legal Obligations:

• From 6 April 2016 all dogs will be required to have a microchip giving owners three years to get their dogs microchipped for free from the Dogs Trust. .

After 6 April 2016, owners of dogs found by the police or local authorities not to have a microchip will have the benefits explained to them and be given a short period to comply with the microchipping law. If they do not, they will face a fine of up to £500.