Are you a responsible dog owner?

Dog owners are being encouraged to be more responsible and have their pets micro-chipped.

District of Easington Council is offering a free service to all dog owners living in the area.

The dog chipping event will be held at Horden Youth and Community Centre on Saturday, 17 May, 10am-2pm.

Once chipped, a dog can easily be identified by the council’s environmental wardens. The first time a dog is found straying it will be returned to its owner, if it is picked up anytime after that, the owner will be contacted to inform then of their pets’ whereabouts.

Any stray dogs found in the district are taken to Coxhoe Dog’s Home and owners must pay £25 for the return of their dog plus any kennel charges incurred.

Last year, District OF Easington Council’s street wardens picked up 438 stray dogs off the streets and issued 91 fixed penalties for dog fouling.

Councillor George Patterson, District of Easington Council’s Executive Member for Liveability said: “I hope dog owners will act responsibly and take up this free offer.

“Strays can cause a number of problems such as road accidents, dog fouling and can sometimes be a danger to the public.”

To arrange to have your dog micro-chipped after the events please contact Envirocall on (0191) 527 5040.