Free dog microchipping events across Gloucestershire on Wednesday 9 March
Published: Monday, 29 February, 2016
A month before it becomes a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped, councils across Gloucestershire are holding events to allow dog owners to have their dogs microchipped for free.
Councillor Simon Pickering, chair of Stroud District Council’s environment committee, said:
“From 6 April all dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped. It generally costs around £20 to have a dog chipped but we’re hoping that these free events will encourage anyone concerned about the cost to turn up so that they don’t break the law.”
The Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Group, made up of animal welfare officers from five of Gloucestershire’s district councils, the police, the animal welfare arm of Gloucestershire Trading Standards Service and the RSPCA, has organised the events, which all take place on for Wednesday 9 March.
Times and locations of the events are as follows and dogs can only be chipped if they and their owners live in the catchment of the appropriate council.
|
STROUD |
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stroud |
12.30pm – 5.30pm |
|
Cheltenham |
Cheltenham Animal Shelter |
12pm- 7pm |
|
Cotswolds |
Kingshill Sports Complex, Cirencester |
10am – 6.30pm |
|
Forest of Dean |
Hawthorn Pet Supplies, Cinderford |
12pm – 5pm |
|
Gloucester |
Plock Court Tennis Centre |
12pm – 7pm |
Alex Myrie, chair of the Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Group, added:
“We deal with hundreds of dog related issues every year. Compulsory microchipping will make it easier for us to return strays, deter theft and ultimately encourage responsible dog ownership.”
At the Gloucester event, advice will also be available for anyone who is thinking of buying a puppy and Gloucestershire Police will be attending all of the venues to raise awareness of sheep worrying.