From the WMDC Press and Communications Office
FREE
MICROCHIPS TO PROTECT DOGS
9 February 2006
Dog
owners across the district are being offered free microchips by Wakefield
Council. The Dog Warden Service is holding a one-day event in Stanley,
Outwood and Wrenthorpe. Microchips
are a popular and permanent form of identification which do not
accidentally slip off dogs like the traditional collar and tag.
Councillor
Graham Isherwood, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Wakefield Council,
said:
"These
devices provide dog owners with enormous peace of mind. If pets become
lost or stolen, they provide an easy way of identifying them."
The
free microchipping, which normally costs £25, is available to all
Wakefield district residents at the Neighbourhood Action Station,
Broadmeadows, at the junction with Leeds Road, on Thursday February 23rd
from 10am until 6pm.
A
microchip is implanted under the dog's skin between the shoulder blades.
It is linked to a national register with the owner's contact details.
When they come across a lost dog, dog wardens, vets and
the RSPCA check for the microchip. They have
scanning equipment to 'read' the information from it to quickly identify
the owner. A collar and identification is still required to be worn by
law.
A
limited number of free neutering vouchers will also be available to
Outwood, Stanley and Wrenthorpe residents only and on a first come first
serve basis. Neutering helps reduce the number
of unwanted dogs, and it cuts the risk of testicular and ovarian cancer.
Wakefield
Council is running the event in partnership with the Dogs Trust, a
national charity. Advice on dog health and welfare will be available from
dog wardens. Neighbourhood patrollers will also
be available to give advice on other environmental concerns.
The
event is part of a wider move to improve the environment and tackle
anti-social behaviour. Wakefield District
Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council, the police and
other agencies, launched the It's Your Call campaign to encourage more
people to report anti-social behaviour. It is
also supporting the Government's Respect agenda which places a high
priority on improving communities and residents' quality of life.
To
report dog fouling or stray dogs or to contact the Dog Warden Service for
advice telephone the It's Your Call hotline on 0845 8 506 506.
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