The next time you struggle to pay your council tax bill, or your car gets damaged as a result of the un repaired pothole in the road, or you can't get off of your estate or minor road in the snow because your road hasn't been gritted; to all those irresponsible dog owners who have not had their dogs microchipped; never fear - Wiltshire Council will do it for free.

They do not want this to be well publicised. They will conveniently turn up at your home (so you don’t have to use your own petrol to go to your local vets) and microchip your dogs for you and will even refuse a donation if you offer it.

This has been the experience of several dog owners I have met recently.

The fact that legislation is coming into force making microchipping of all dogs compulsory by April 2016, and that the council website does state it makes a small charge for this service (but are not actually charging dog owners), is farcical and a complete waste of our council tax revenue.

Mrs A Lucy Huish, Ashwood Road, Rudloe.