A series of free microchipping drop-ins for dogs will be held across Hounslow in October.
To mark the six-month countdown to the new microchipping law, Hounslow Council together with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home want to help dog owners avoid a potential £500 fine.
People can bring their furry friends to any of the five drop-in sessions for microchipping, tag engraving, and support from dog handling experts.
Microchipping can help keep pets safer and reunite them with their owners if they go missing.
Sharon Sealey, Battersea community engagement manager, said: “A microchip means you can be reunited with your dog quickly if they ever get lost.
"Losing your dog is distressing for you and your dog who may end up in kennels.
"A microchip and a quick reunite may also save you money in reclaiming fees.”
American bulldog Woody is one of many strays that ended up at Battersea's doors without a microchip after he was found in Hounslow.
The one-year-old has been waiting for a new family to come and take him home but this could have been avoided if he had been microchipped, as his owner could have been contacted and, within hours, Woody would have been safely back at home.
Every year, 3,000 strays arrive at Battersea and in 2014 only 41% had a microchip, meaning hundreds of dogs cannot be reunited with their distraught owners.
The sessions will be held from 11am-4pm at:
- Monday October 5 – St Johns Gardens, St John’s Road, Isleworth TW7
- Tuesday October 6 – Bedfont Lakes Country Park [near information centre] Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont, TW14 8QA.
- Wednesday October 7 – Brent Lea Recreation Centre, London Road, Brentford, TW8 8JQ
- Thursday October 8 – Saxon Avenue/Nene Gardens, Hanworth, TW13 5PQ
- Friday October 9 – Worple Avenue/Northcote Avenue, Isleworth, TW7 7JG
The new law comes into effect on April 6 2016.
For more information call 020 8583 5085 or email animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk.
