Free Microchipping Goes Mobile With Council Help!
A free mobile microchipping event will be staged by Swindon Borough Council in Wroughton and Wichelstowe on Saturday 1st April, working in partnership with the Blue Cross.
The service – available for both dogs and cats – will be held at three separate stops around Wroughton, to be as accessible as possible.
There is no need to book ahead, and there are no restrictions on the types of dogs and cats that can be microchipped.
The clinics will be held at: 10am- 11am Outside Stoweaway Community Centre, Staldon Road, East Wichel, Swindon, SN1 7AG.
11:15am – 12:15pm Outside Ellendune Community Centre, Barrett Way, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9LW.
12:30pm – 1:15pm Outside Maunsell Way Recreation Ground, Wroughton, SN4 9JF.
Microchipping increases the chance of lost or stolen pets being returned to their owners, and all stray dogs picked up by Swindon Borough Council are scanned for a microchip.
The law now requires all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped with fully up-todate ownership details.
This event will run under an ‘amnesty’, so no-one faces prosecution for bringing a dog along that is unchipped.
Although cats are not subject to the same regulations, they are still prone to straying, so a microchip can help reunite them with their owners speedily.
Owners who need to get their dogs or cats microchipped but cannot get along to the event, are urged to contact their vet. Alternatively, they can arrange an appointment with the Blue Cross at Burford on 0300 777 1570, who will microchip any dog or cat for free.
Another event will take place on 22nd April in Pinehurst and Penhill, with timings to be announced in due course.
Similar events run by the Council and Blue Cross last year were highly successful. At Lydiard Park, 164 dogs were chipped, with a further 40 owners given advice about updating their dog’s chip information. Coate Water and Pinehurst also saw very successful events.
Dog owners should bear in mind that the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 Act is now fully applicable, so it is a breach to have a dog that is not chipped or has out of date information. The habitual keeper must ensure this is complied with, or face a fine of up to £500 if the requirements are ignored.
The change does not alter the legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Order for all owners to make sure their dog wears a collar and tag when in a public place, stating the name and address of the owner.
The new microchipping legislation applies to all dogs more than eight weeks old, no matter what breed or type. All breeders now have to microchip their puppies before transferring ownership, regardless of whether they are sold or given away. This includes accidental litters and all breeds, including crossbreeds, and it will be a criminal offence to not do so.