Community events result in large numbers of dogs microchipped

Yorkshire Photography

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:08:57 PM

Hundreds of dogs across the borough have been microchipped thanks to a series of dog micro-chipping events held last year.

Five community events held by Rotherham Council and the Dogs Trust resulted in 349 dogs being microchipped.

The events also revealed a number of interesting facts about the history of people’s pets.

From the attendees’ responses, it was found that most people got their dogs from family or a friend. Dog owners reported they received their dog because many were passed around from one family member to another. Many of the owners explained the dog was being neglected or mistreated so they took it in.

The team said the dogs were often seen as disposable and that many of the dog owners had taken the dog in without understanding the basic needs of the dog and what is required of them as a responsible owner.

The team reported that the second highest group of people informed them they got their dog from a rescue centre, and the third highest number of people got their dog from a breeder. A small number of people got their dog from the internet.

During the 2016 community events, 302 responsible dog ownership packs were issued.

It was found that only 1% of dogs were wearing a collar and a tag. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to provide a suitable collar and tag for their dog.

Dog owners should be aware that the law changed on 6 April 2016, and all dogs are now legally required to have a micro-chip.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste, Roads and Community Safety, Cllr Emma Hoddinott, said: “We had lots of dog owners bringing their dogs along to the community events to get their dogs microchipped.

“We are holding further free sessions for dog micro-chipping in 2017 at various locations around the borough. We look forward to seeing Rotherham residents and their dogs at these events.”

The next Dogs Trust and Rotherham Council community event is on Tuesday 21 February, 11am to 3pm at Thrybergh Parish Hall, Thrybergh, Rotherham, S65 4BT. Another event takes place on Tuesday 21 March, 11am to 3pm at Swinton Library, Station Street, Swinton, Mexborough, S64 8PZ.

Bring your dogs along for free micro-chipping, check your chip service, free advice and free basic health check including nail clipping.

For more information on the legal requirements: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped

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