New laws on dog microchipping are set to come into force on 6 April 2016, and Blaby District Council is offering the chance to get residents’ dogs microchipped for free before the deadline.

On Tuesday 5th April owners can take the opportunity to turn up between 10am-2pm with their dogs at the council’s offices on Desford Road, Narborough between 10am-2pm and have their dog chipped for free by a trained microchip implanter.

Michelle Ikin, Senior Animal Services Officer at the council will be on hand to offer any advice owners may want about their dog.

Michelle said:

“Even if your dog is already microchipped it is very important to check that the keeper details are up to date, especially dogs who have been re-homed from rescue centres.

The new law states that the dog must be registered to the keeper of the dog.”

Councillor Guy Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood and Environmental Services, said:

“We want to make sure that dog owners in Blaby District are abiding by the new law, and in turn try and reduce the number of lost or stray dogs that do not have a microchip when we collect them.”

Criminal offence

Owners who have do not microchip their dogs after 6 April will be guilty of a criminal offence and could face a fine of £500.

For more information on the event call 0116 272 7555.