On Tuesday 11 August 2009, Dogs Trust visited Hockley Woods in the Rochford District Council area to gain support from local politicians for their campaign to introduce compulsory microchipping with the help of a mobile ‘chip van’.

There’s no need to worry about the calories though, as the only chips on offer are those that help reunite lost or stray dogs with their owners.

The Dogs Trust chip van has been touring the length and breadth of the country to promote the benefits of microchipping to politicians. The charity estimates that just a third of dogs are currently microchipped and wants to see the Control of Dogs Order amended to make microchipping compulsory alongside the current law stating that all dogs must wear a collar and tag.

Councillor Mrs Mavis Webster the Member Champion for Animal Welfare said:
“I fully support Dogs Trust’s campaign to introduce compulsory microchipping. This will lead to a reduction of unidentified strays on the streets and also reduce the unnecessary destruction of pet dogs which go missing every year”.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and firmly believes the most effective and humane way of reducing stray dog numbers in the long term is through microchipping, alongside education and neutering. Last year microchips helped reunite 15% of strays with their owners – with compulsory microchipping the charity estimates that upwards of 50% could be reunited.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin explains:
“Nearly 97,000 stray dogs were taken in by local councils in the UK last year; 6,710 of which were put to sleep, many because they could not be reunited with their owners. We urgently want to see these figures decrease and believe that microchipping can aid this process”.

Responsible dog owners can get their pet chipped at their local vets for an average cost of £20-£30. Alternatively, contact Acres Way Kennels on 01268 770402, where the Council has negotiated a discounted price of £15 for micro chipping dogs and cats belonging to Rochford District Council residents.

Dog microchipping is also available through Dogs Trust who will microchip all dogs by appointment at any of their rehoming centres for a reduced cost of £10 and £5 for those on means tested benefits. This is a small cost for the security of knowing that should a dog stray the chances of him being reunited with his owners will significantly increase.