FREE Dog Chipping This Weekend 

At Lydiard Park. THIS SATURDAY

A free dog microchipping event at Lydiard Park on Saturday (5 March) could help pet owners avoid a fine of up to £500.

 

Lydiard Park

Saturday 05 March 2016

10am-5pm

 
Dogs that aren’t microchipped, or have out of date information on the chip, will fall foul of the law from 6 April.

 
Microchipping increases the chance of lost or stolen dogs being returned to their owners, and all stray dogs picked up by Swindon Borough Council are scanned for a microchip. 

 
Last year the Council picked up 81 strays which were microchipped, but in 57 of those cases the details were out of date and not all of the dogs could be returned to their owners.

 
The event at Lydiard Park on Saturday, which will run between 10am and 4pm opposite the Visitor Centre, has been organised by the Council in partnership with animal charity Blue Cross.

 

On 6 April the full part of the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 come into force. It will be a breach of the regulations to have a dog that isn’t microchipped, or has out of date information on the chip. Failure to comply could land owners with a fine of up to £500.
The change does not alter the legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Order for all owners to make sure their pet wears a collar and tag when in a public place that states the name and address of the owner.
The new microchipping legislation applies to all dogs over the age of eight weeks old, no matter what breed or type.

 

All breeders will have to microchip their puppies before transferring ownership, regardless of whether they are sold or given away. This includes accidental litters and all breeds, including crossbreeds, and it will be a criminal offence to not do so.

Owners who are unable to attend the event on Saturday and have a dog that has no chip, or one that is out of date, are advised to contact their vet.

 

Can't go?

 

Alternatively owners can arrange an appointment with the Blue Cross at Burford on 0300 777 1570 who will chip any dog (or cat) for free.