Free dog microchip deal is on offer to pensioners (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Free dog microchip deal is on offer to pensioners

OAPs in Swindon can get their dog micro chipped for free today. The Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, has teamed up with Swindon Council to offer OAPs in the town the free service.

The chip shop is being held at Stratton Leisure and Community Centre from 9am until 2.30pm.

The stray dog problem is larger than most people realise and Dogs Trust encourage owners to be responsible and to neuter and micro-chip their pets so if they become lost they can be returned to their owners quickly.

Alison Waine, animal warden for Swindon said: "Micro-chipping is a very good permanent way of identifying a dog should it lose its collar.

"It is the only way of identifying a dog that nobody can argue with- it's more positive proof than even a photograph."

Dogs attending the chipping event must be on a lead and fully vaccinated.

Owners are asked to take their pet's vaccination card with them.

Swindon Council stresses that every dog, even if they are chipped must still have a tag bearing the owners name and address whilst in a public place.

Other dog owners can get their pet micro chipped for £9.50, which is half the usual charge.

For more information please contact Leslie Gold Carley at Dogs Trust on 07739 255068 or Alison Waine on 01793 466139.