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‘Tail’ with a happy ending for stray dogs

Byadmin

Feb 28, 2016 #dogs, #pets, #yorkie, #Yorkshire

Screen Shot 2016-02-28 at 11.46.08Tails wagging and settling into life in their happy new homes – it’s a far cry from the sorry state little Ada and Hilda were found in.

The 18-month-old Yorkshire Terriers were discovered wandering lost, cold and hungry, in Wheatley Hill earlier this month (February).

Neighbourhood wardens from Durham County Council picked the pitiful pups up in a dreadful state of neglect.

As the dogs weren’t microchipped they couldn’t be traced back to their owners so were taken to Stray Aid in Coxhoe, the council’s kennelling provider, where staff dubbed them Ada and Hilda and nursed them back to health.

And just a few weeks on the plucky pair have now been rehomed with loving new owners where they are thriving and loving life once again.

Sue Bielby, Stray Aid director, said: “When Ada and Hilda came to us they had been badly neglected and were in a really sorry state.

“Thankfully though we were able to rehome them with loving new owners and they are both doing much better now and have been microchipped so if they do get out again they’ll be promptly returned.”

The timely ‘tail’ comes as the council teams up with Stray Aid and the Dogs Trust to raise awareness around a new law which states that all dogs aged eight weeks and above must be microchipped by Wednesday 6 April 2016.

 

The new campaign, #BeLikeChip, urges dog owners to make sure they are ready for the changes and lets them know about upcoming free microchipping events.

As part of a series of events the council is running throughout the year, people are invited to a microchipping event on Monday 7 March, 11am, at Belle View Stadium, home of Consett AFC, in Delves Lane, Consett, where they can get their dogs chipped for free provided they are vaccinated.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “Most dog owners are responsible but with the changes to the law coming in it is important that we help people make sure they get their dogs microchipped so they don’t fall foul of the law. Dog owners can come to our events all year long and visit other locations which are also available.

“Getting your dog chipped not only means that they can be reunited with their rightful owner if they become lost or stolen but it also helps us combat illegal dog breeders and bring justice to their victims.”

Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, added: “For many years Dogs Trust has campaigned tirelessly to bring about the introduction of compulsory microchipping. Therefore, we are very pleased to welcome the legislation, which will go a long way to improving dog welfare and responsible ownership.”

Please visit www.durham.gov.uk/microchipping for a list of free microchipping events in County Durham – carried out by the Dogs Trust. Terms and conditions apply. The microchipping calendar will be updated throughout the year, please check the most up-to-date version.

Free dog microchipping is also provided by Stray Aid at Coxhoe. Terms and conditions also apply. Please contact Stray Aid on 0300 999 4247 for details.

You can also get your dog microchipped by your vet.

Dog owners can also sign up to the Green Dog Walkers scheme at the microchipping events. This scheme encourages dog owners to always pick up after their pet and carry extra bags.

Alternatively, people can sign up to the Green Dog Walkers campaign by downloading a form at www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers or by emailing civicpride@durham.gov.uk or by calling 03000 261 000.

Stray Aid rescues, reunites and rehomes lost, abused and abandoned dogs found on the streets of County Durham.

Any strays found by neighbourhood wardens from Durham County Council are gifted to the charity seven days after they have been found. All healthy dogs are looked after by charity staff until they find a forever home.

Stray Aid is currently running an appeal to raise £250,000 – visit https://youtu.be/s6gb1dH__24 for more information.

By admin