PRESS RELEASE

Free microchips for local dogs – come along and gobble them up!

Mid Sussex District Council is teaming up with the charity Dogs Trust to offer local pet owners the chance to microchip their dog, absolutely free of charge.

Microchipping ensures that, if a dog ever becomes lost or stolen, the police, animal welfare staff, vet surgeries and local authorities are able to identify the owner and return the dog safe and sound.

During November, Dogs Trust will be running six microchipping sessions at parks and open spaces across Mid Sussex. They will be supported by the Mid Sussex District Council Park Rangers team, who will be on hand to provide advice and information on other aspects of responsible dog ownership.

Currently, every dog owner is legally required to ensure that their dog is wearing a collar and tag, but these can easily get lost or removed if a dog is stolen. A microchip is permanent and, from the 6 April 2016, a change in the law means it will be compulsory for owners to have their dog microchipped.

The microchip is a small electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, which is coded with a unique number that can be read by a scanner. As the chip is so small, once it has been implanted the dog will not be able to feel it.

Once microchipped, Dogs Trust will register the dog and owner’s details and from then on it is essential that owners update their information when necessary, such as after a change of address.

To ensure local people are ready for the new law, Mid Sussex District Council and Dogs Trust are hosting a series of free microchipping events at parks and open spaces right across Mid Sussex.

The free events run from 10 am – 2 pm and are located as follows:

Wednesday 6 November, Bedelands Local Nature Reserve, Burgess Hill
Thursday 7 November, East Court, East Grinstead
Thursday 14 November, Barn Cottage Recreation Ground, Haywards Heath
Wednesday 20 November, Kings Leisure Centre, East Grinstead
Thursday 21 November, Whitemans Green, Cuckfield
Thursday 28 November, Adastra Park, Hassocks

“It is so important to get your dog fitted with a microchip because, should they ever stray, the chances of being reunited with your missing pet are significantly increased,” said Councillor Pru Moore, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sustainability. “Microchipping does not hurt the dog; the process is carried out by a trained professional and causes no more discomfort than a minor injection.

“The law is changing in 2016, and we do not want any of our residents to suffer a fine, so please come along to one of our free microchipping sessions and make sure your dog can be easily returned to you.”

For more information please contact the Mid Sussex District Council Park Rangers on 01444 477561, email rangers@midsussex.gov.uk or visit www.chipmydog.org.uk.

ENDS

For more information please contact Martin Faulconbridge on 01444 477478 or Martin.Faulconbridge@midsussex.gov.uk

Direct line: 01444 477478
Out of hours: 07702 034236