Dog owners can get their pet microchipped for free

New legislation came into force earlier this month making it a criminal offence for a dog not to have an electronic identity tag and registered on a national data base.

South Tyneside Council’s animal welfare officers are holding an event on Tuesday at Temple Park Leisure Centre in South Shields, between 3pm and 5pm.

Similar events in the run-up to the law coming into force on April 6 saw more than 500 dogs microchipped at the workshops, and a further 30 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, and 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 aged 18 or over.

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.