Dog owners will be able to get their pets microchipped for free in Kensington and Chelsea before a change in law is introduced.
From April 6 all dog owners must ensure the animals are microchipped .
A free microchipping session was organised by the Royal Borough’s Parks Police on February 22, and further sessions will take place on March 22 from 11am-3pm at Holland Park and April 4 at Avondale Park in Walmer Road, near Notting Hill , from 8.30am-10.30am.
The law is being introduced by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and apply to all dogs aged over eight weeks.
According to Defra , lost and stray dogs cost the taxpayer and welfare charities £33 million per year. It is hoped that the legislation will help to promote responsible dog ownership and reduce the burden on animal charities and local authorities by making it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Owners whose pets are not chipped after April 6 could face a criminal prosecution and £500 fine.
