Chips for Dogs seems to be working

0067/ir
29 April 2008

A total of 63 stray dogs, that were either microchipped or tagged and returned direct to their owners,  were picked up by the Council’s Dog Warden last year. The amount has more than doubled from the equivalent period last year.  Micro-chipping is a safe, permanent form of ID that can help to reunite owners with their dogs, should they become lost or stolen.

Sean Jones, the Council’s Dog Warden, said:  "Having your dog chipped makes sense from an animal welfare point of view and means that, if a pet strays, it can be quickly reunited with its owners.  Each year, the Service picks up hundreds of stray dogs and it is a huge help if they can be identified and quickly returned home." 

Micro-chipping involves implanting a tiny chip under the dog’s skin.  The chip carries a unique number which can be read by a special scanner carried by dog wardens and most vets.  This will ensure that, should a dog ever stray, it can be quickly identified and returned.

Sean added:  "Owning a dog involves taking responsibility for your pet and its effect on those around you.  Not only can straying, unsupervised dogs cause road traffic accidents, they can and do foul footpaths, play areas and the like, causing a health hazard and, in rare cases, intimidate or pose a threat to the public.”

The Dog Warden Service continues to work in partnership with various agencies to help promote responsible dog ownership and now offers discounted dog microchipping for £10.  Anybody requiring further advice on this matter, please contact the Dog Warden on 01270 537812.

                                               PHOTOGRAPH – Crewe and Nantwich Dog Warden Sean Jones

                                                   COUNCIL CONTACT:                   Sean Jones – Dog warden
                                                   TELEPHONE:                              01270 537812,  537819
                                                   EMAIL:                                        sean.jones@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

                                                   Business Manager Enforcement:   Jan Griffiths
                                                   EMAIL:                                        jan.griffiths@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

                                                     For Media enquiries contact:

                                                   Communications Officer-            Ian Richardson

                                                   Telephone -                                01270 537018

                                                   Email -                                        ian.richardson@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

                                                   http://www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk/