Battersea offers free microchipping and tag engraving in Lambeth

Battersea is aiming to reduce the number of stray dogs on the borough’s streets by holding a series of free responsible dog ownership events, in partnership with Lambeth Council.

The events are being held:

• Thursday, 9 August. 11am-4pm. By the café at Kennington Park.
• Friday, 10 August 5pm-8pm. By the bandstand at Clapham Common.
• Monday, 20 August 11am-4pm. By the bandstand at Clapham Common.

Battersea’s education officers will be helping dog owners to increase the chance of being reunited with their pet should they be lost or stolen by offering free microchipping and tag engraving. Battersea staff will also be on hand to offer advice on neutering, feeding and dog behaviour.

It is a legal requirement for owners to provide their dog with a collar and tag displaying their contact details but, despite this, only 2% of the dogs who came into Battersea last year had this vital form of identification.

Battersea also recommends that people have their pet microchipped. This procedure places a small disc, the size of a grain of rice, under the animal’s skin. It contains a code which can be revealed by a special scanner which is routinely used by dog wardens and organisations such as Battersea when a stray dog is found. This code links to the owner’s contact details on a national database making them easy to trace.

Lance Williamson, Battersea’s Community Engagement Officer, said: “We’re really looking forward meeting lots of dog owners and their four-legged friends at these events throughout August. We hope lots of people will make the most of this opportunity to help safeguard their pets’ welfare should anything happen to them by coming along to the events.”