South Tyneside Council is urging dog owners to take advantage of an extra opportunity to have their dogs microchipped free of charge following the introduction of new legislation this earlier month.
The Council’s Animal Welfare officers are holding an event on Tuesday 19 April at Temple Park Leisure Centre in South Shields, between 3pm and 5pm.
The event coincides with the new legislation which made it compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped and registered on an approved database from 6 April, 2016.
It follows an overwhelming response to a series of similar events which were held across the Borough in the run up to the new legislation being introduced. More than 500 dogs were microchipped at the workshops and a further 30 calls were made to microchip dogs at the homes of some of the Borough’s vulnerable residents
Those who attend the event on Tuesday will be able to talk to officers about the new legislation as well as get information and advice about issues such as good dog behaviour and owner responsibilities such as dog fouling.
All dogs must be wearing a collar and lead and be accompanied by a handler who is aged 18 or over.
The workshops also form part of a wider campaign to promote responsible dog ownership and tackle dog fouling across the Borough with further initiatives planned throughout the year.
For further information, advice or guidance about the new legislation or the microchipping workshop, call the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000 or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk.