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Release Date: 24 August 2012
During September, Stroud District Council is offering the opportunity for dog owners on benefits to have their pets microchipped completely free.
Councillor Dennis Andrewartha, of Stroud District Council, said:
'Last year, out of the 155 stray dogs we picked up in the district only 30 had identification that allowed them to be returned directly to their owners. Whilst every dog owner is legally obliged to ensure that their dog is wearing a collar and identification tag, a chip can be much more practical as it won't get lost, fall off or be removed. Thousands of owners have already taken this positive step to ensure their much-loved companion can be identified in this way.'
Dog owners would normally expect to pay anywhere between £20 - £30 for the service at their vets, however the Dogs Trust, which is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, has donated 400 microchips to the council.
Alex Davies, Stroud District Council's animal welfare officer said:
'A microchip is a tiny pellet which is painlessly injected near the shoulders. It has a unique identification number which makes it easy to return a pet when it is lost and found. It takes less than a minute to microchip a dog and as it is also free we hope it will encourage people to take up the offer.'
Proof of receipt of benefit is required at the drop in surgeries for microchipping which are being held around the district at the following times and locations during September:
4th September, 9:30am-12:00pm, All Pull Together shop, Stonehouse
11th September, 9:30am-12:00pm, Middle of the Hill meeting room, Nouncells Cross
13th September, 9:30am-12:00pm, Woodfield Community Centre, Cam
17th September, 10:30am-1pm, Arkell Centre, Nailsworth
25th September, 12:30pm-3pm, Lower Kingshill Management Office, St Georges Road Kingshill, Dursley
For more information, please contact Alex Davies, Animal Welfare Officer on 01453 754497.
Stroud District Council
Ebley Mill
Ebley Wharf
Stroud
GL5 4UB
