Dog owners encouraged to microchip pets for free

A Londonderry dog warden is urging people to take advantage of the series of free microchipping clinics taking place across the city.

Mickey Duddy has reminded locals it is not possible to licence pooches without valid microchip numbers and is encouraging dog owners to make use of the service, which has been launched with help from the Dogs Trust.

He said while every dog needs to wear a collar and licence tag, in April 2012 it became compulsory for them to be microchipped.

“This simple, safe modern identification method is permanent and can’t be removed, so even if your dog loses its collar someone steals your dog we can still trace it by its microchip,” the expert added.

Any dog or puppy owner must acquire a licence before they take their new pet home with them, while a puppy that stays with its mother must have a licence by the age of six months.

The microchipping clinics will take place from Thursday (April 18th) in sites including the Holy Family Chapel Car Park, the Gasworks Centre, the Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre and St Joseph’s Chapel Car Park.

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