DOG owners are being reminded that their pampered pals will soon need to be chipped to comply with the law.
From Wednesday, April 6 it will be compulsory for all dogs over the age of eight weeks to be microchipped, and their owners required to keep their contact details up-to-date records.
If the authorities become aware of a dog without a microchip, a legal notice may be served on the animal’s keeper requiring it to be chipped.
The keeper may also face criminal prosecution and a fine of £500 if they fail to comply with the notice.
Anyone breeding dogs will also be responsible for microchipping puppies before selling or giving them to new keepers.
Breeders will be required to register their own details and these will be recorded against the microchip for the life of the dog. The only exemption is where a vet has certified in writing that a dog is unfit to be microchipped.
To help dog owners in Middlesbrough comply with the new regulations, the Council is hosting a series of FREE health checks and microchipping clinics run in conjunction with the PDSA. The clinics will offer a free basic health check by a veterinary nurse as well as a number of preventative treatments such as nail clipping and ear cleaning.
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care, said: “Dogs are cherished companions for a great many people, so it’s only right that we look out for their welfare, and do all we can to ensure others are protected when things go wrong.
“I hope these new regulations will help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, relieve the burden on animal charities and local authorities and protect the welfare of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.
“I would urge anyone with a dog that hasn’t been microchipped to take advantage of our free chipping sessions over the coming months.”
The clinics will run from Monday, March 21 to Thursday, March 24 at the following locations:
- Monday, March 21 10am – 5pm Hemlington Recreation Centre, Cass House Road
- Tuesday, March 22 10am – 5pm at Albert Park, (near the fountain)
- Wednesday, March 23 10am – 5pm at North Ormesby Market Place
- Thursday, March 24 9am – 4pm at Stewart Park, (main car park)