Check your dog is microchipped for free at Wiltshire Game and Country Fayre.

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August, Wiltshire Council Dog Warden team will be attending the Wiltshire Game and Country Fayre, working to help you avoid being fined.

Microchipping dogs over eight weeks has been a legal requirement since April 2016. Dogs are also legally required to wear a collar with an identity tag displaying their owner’s name and address when out in public.

However, many dog owners don’t realise this when taking on the responsibility of a pet, resulting in fines of up to £500.

According to data from Wiltshire’s dog warden team, they receive over 600 calls each year asking them to deal with stray dogs.

Approximately 200 dogs are taken to kennels each year for not wearing collars with tags or having registered microchips.

The Wiltshire Game and Country Fayre will take place at Bowood House in Calne between 10am and 6pm, and the team will be there to carry out free dog microchip checks for you.

“Our Dog Warden team being there to promote responsible dog ownership will hopefully lead to fewer stray dogs being taken to the kennels,” said Coun Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection.

“Having up-to-date microchip details registered to a government approved provider also ensures your dogs can be returned to you as quickly as possible should you lose them,” he added.

Coun Nick Holder emphasised that the time and money saved by the council not having to deal with stray dogs could then go towards the delivery of frontline services.

Wiltshire Police will also be working alongside the dog warden team to provide free microchip checks, and ensure that the correct details are on your dog's database.

Owners who find that their dogs aren't microchipped will be given advice on where to go to solve this issue.

“We want to encourage anyone visiting the Wiltshire Game and Country Fayre this August to visit the dog warden stall and get the free check – you never know it might help us reunite you with a lost dog in the future or prevent a £500 fine,” said Coun Holder.

To fit a microchip, you must visit a trained professional such as a vet, and owners are responsible for keeping the information up to date after the microchip has been fitted.

To report a stray dog to Wiltshire Council, call the 24 hour helpline on 0300 4560107.