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Your can get your pet micro
chipped for free if you live in Sefton
DOG owners in Sefton are being offered
the chance to get their pet micro chipped for free, as part of an initiative by
Merseyside Police and the Dogs Trust to promote responsible dog ownership. The
chipping is quick and easy to carry out and does not hurt the dog in any way.
Police and partner agencies are offering the free service to anyone who brings
their dog along to South Park, in Bootle, from 1pm to 4pm, on 21 August 2015,
during the South Park Fun Day, or Moorside Park, in Great Crosby, from 12pm to
4pm, on 5 September 2015.
It follows a rise in dog bites on people in the past 3 years across Merseyside,
some of which have resulted in serious injuries and in fatalities.
Officers who are trying to tackle the problem have analysed all the incidents
and established that a growing number of dog-related incidents are happening in
public parks rather than people's homes.
In the past three years the summer months in particular have seen a rise with
most dog bites against people and other dogs happening between 11am and 5pm,
when the parks are busiest.
Merseyside Police, Sefton Council and Dogs Trust believe that owners getting
their dog or dogs micro chipped is a sign that they want to be a responsible dog
owner and ensure their dog does not attack another dog or a person.
Micro chipping enables that particular dog to be linked to its owner and if the
dog ever goes missing or is stolen but found by the police or a dog charity, it
can be scanned and returned to its rightful owner.
Inspector Karen Dowden, from Bootle and Crosby neighbourhood, said:- "We
are absolutely determined to reduce the numbers of children in Merseyside being
hurt by dogs. It is crucial that we educate owners about what it means to be a
responsible dog lover. This can be anything from getting the dog properly
trained from an early age, keeping it a comfortable, spacious and secure part of
your property, taking it for regular walks to socialise with other dogs and burn
off some energy, and get it chipped, neutered and insured. By working with the
Dogs Trust and the Guide Dogs for the Blind to offer a free chipping service we
are also hoping to get the opportunity to speak to dog owners in our local parks
and make sure they are aware of all the dog legislation, are aware of the advice
and have the opportunity to ask our specialist officers any questions they might
have. We are lucky to have some fantastic parks here in Sefton and everyone has
a right to enjoy them in a safe and legal way without being in fear of being
approached by an aggressive or out-of-control dog. This is one part of a wider
operation we will be carrying out in August and September to help keep people
safe and raise awareness and I'd encourage people to come along and see us."
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