DOG owners can get their pets microchipped for free at events organised by South Lakeland District Council and the Dogs Trust.

The council and the charity have teamed up to stage the four events across the district to raise awareness of new regulations requiring all dogs to be chipped by April 6 2016.

Anyone who owns a dog that has not been chipped is welcome to attend any of the events which are to be held as follows:

* Thursday June 18 at Abbot Hall Park, Kendal, 10am to 2pm.
* Thursday July 9 at Berners Close car park, Grange-over-Sands, 10am to 2pm.
* Wednesday July 29 at North Lonsdale Show, Ulverston, all day
* Thursday September 10 at County Show, Crooklands, all day

The microchips will be implanted by trained staff from either Milnthorpe Kennels and Cattery or the Dogs Trust.

The procedure involves injecting a tiny microchip into the scruff of the dog’s neck. Each has a unique code which is entered into a national database linked to the owner’s details. Any dog found straying can be scanned and returned to the owner. 

The new regulations form part of SLDC’s stray dog enforcement policy, approved by Cabinet last week.

After next April when the Microchipping of Dogs (England Regulations 2015) comes into force any dog the council handles will be scanned and if it is not microchipped or the keeper’s details are not up to date, they will be served with a Notice. The keeper then has 21 days to comply with the regulations or face a fine up to £500.

The stray dog enforcement policy sets out the service SLDC provides in relation to stray dogs. 

Cllr Sue Sanderson, SLDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio for Environment and People, said: “We are a dog friendly council and we are particularly friendly to those that are responsible dog owners. 

“We want to educate people to look after their dogs and to help the public understand the law and statutory requirements.” 

To view the full policy see: http://democracy.southlakeland.gov.uk/documents/g3549/Public%20reports%20pack%2027th-May-2015%2010.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10