Moray SNP News

MORAY MP HOSTS DOGS TRUST CHIPPING EVENT

Moray’s MP Angus Robertson has hosted a Dogs Trust ‘Free Chipping’ event. The local MP was also joined by Richard Lochhead MSP whose Government responsibility included introducing the new legislation.

The event, held at New Elgin & Ashgrove Public Hall in Elgin saw the Dogs Trust offering free chips to local dogs while Dogs Trust representatives were also on hand to promote responsible dog ownership and inform owners about the benefits of compulsory microchipping. In total 86 dogs were microchipped in just a couple of hours!

Microchipping of dogs will be compulsory from April 2016 following a change in legislation in Scotland.

Angus Robertson MP said:

“Microchipping is a simple and effective tool which helps to rapidly reunite lost or straying pets with their owners. This in turn reduces the number of healthy dogs unnecessarily put to sleep.

“I was very pleased to be able to host Dogs Trust at a free microchipping event in Moray, which not only helped people comply with the new legislation at no cost but also provided valuable advice and information to dog owners about the legislation and other aspects of dog ownership.”

Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“Scotland is a nation of animal lovers and so we must do all we can to safeguard dog welfare and promote responsible ownership.

"Dogs Trust are great supporters of microchipping and it is fantastic that over two thirds of dogs in Scotland have been microchipped on a voluntary basis. Events like this continue to push that figure higher and raise awareness amongst dog owners that they need to get their dog chipped for April next year.”

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. They have eighteen rehoming centres across the UK and one in Ireland, and invest substantial resources in information services and education on responsible dog ownership.

The Dogs Trust provide information on microchipping at: http://www.chipmydog.org.uk/