Parks Police Hold Free Microchipping Events in March

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Before introduction of new law making it a legal requirement for dog owners

From April 6, all dog owners will be legally required to microchip their pets and register the details on one of a number of authorised databases.

The new law being introduced by the government follows a successful rollout of the scheme in Northern Ireland.

Police officers and staff from Hammersmith and Fulham Council will be issued with microchip reader scanners so that they can instantly check whether or not an animal has been microchipped.

Owners whose animals have not been microchipped will be given 21 days to get it done or face a £500 fine.

The council says 40% of the stray dogs collected in the borough this year have not had a microchip. Even if you sell, or give your pet away, the new owner’s details have to be updated to avoid breaching the law.

H&F’s Parks Police are carrying out a series of free microchipping events the law comes into force, at:

Parsons Green, Friday 4 March 8.30am-10.30am

Hammersmith Town Hall forecourt, Monday 14 March 8.30am-10.30am

Holland Park, Tuesday 22 March 11am-3pm with The Dogs Trust

Avondale Park, Monday 4 April 8.30am-10.30am

To find out more about forthcoming events, please email ParksPolice@rbkc.gov.uk.

It is also illegal for any dog in a public place to not be wearing a collar with a tag that bears the name and address, including postcode of the owner. It is recommended that you also include a phone number.

March 1, 2016