Free microchips for Laois dogs
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DOG owners in Laois can have their pets microchipped free of charge at the county’s dog shelter, during the last week of November.
Laois Co Council has announced a free dog microchipping week from Monday 23 to Friday 27 November, in conjunction with Midland Animal Care.
Owners are welcome to bring four-legged friends to the Laois Dog Shelter at Tintore, Ballacolla (R32 WR62) during opening hours, to avail of the free microchip and registration service.
Microchipping typically costs between €20 and €55 depending on the type of dog, the service provider and whether database registration fees are bundled into the initial price.
Before arriving for free microchipping at the shelter, people must have a valid dog licence for each animal and ensure that each has an ID tag attached to its collar showing the owner’s name, address and contact details.
Owners must also bring photo ID and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, while each dog must be on a leash. Restricted breeds under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 must be muzzled and on a lead not exceeding two metres.
Laois dog warden Tristan Blundell pointed out that microchips are of great assistance in reuniting lost dogs with their owners and provides the dog with a permanent form of identification.
He explained: “If a stray dog is found with a microchip, the dog warden, vet clinics or animal welfare groups will look up the microchip number on an approved database and will contact the owner and reunite them with their dog.”
Microchipping has been a legal requirement for all dogs in Ireland since April 2016. Under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, all dogs must be microchipped, registered on an approved database and accompanied by an official certificate of registration.
It is also a requirement to keep owner details, including address and contact number, updated on the microchip database address.
Midland Animal Care Ltd has a two-year contract with Laois Co Council to run the county’s dog shelter and dog warden service.
The shelter opens from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4.30pm each day from Tuesday through to Friday and from 10am to 12.30pm on Mondays.
