‘Avail of free chips’ says citydog warden

He encouraged dog owners in the Derry City Council area to avail of an opportunity to have their dogs micro-chipped for free, thanks to the Dogs Trust.

Mr Duddy said: “Whilst every dog owner must ensure that their dog is wearing a collar and licence tag it should be noted that since April 2012 it is no longer possible to licence a dog without including a valid microchip number for your dog.

“This simple, safe modern identification method is permanent and can`t be removed, so even if your dog loses its collar someone steals your dog we can still trace it by its microchip.”

He added that all dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, must have a valid licence.

Before you get a dog or a puppy you MUST get a licence for it. It is against the law not to. A puppy that stays with its mother must have a licence by the age of six months.

Dogs must also wear an identity disc or tag, stating the owner`s name, address and contact telephone number.

Clinics will take place on Thursday, April 18, in Holy Family Chapel Car Park (11am - 12.30pm) and St Columbs Park (1pm - 3pm); on Friday, April 19, in the Gasworks Centre, Lecky Road, Brandywell (11am - 3pm); on Monday, April 22 in Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre Car Park (11am - 12.30pm) and St Eithne’s Primary School (1pm - 3pm); on Tuesday, April 23, in Sports Pavillion, layby, Drumahoe (11am - 12.30pm) and Layby - St Josephs Chapel Car Park, Galliagh (1pm - 3pm); on Wednesday, April 24, in Bard’s Hill (11am - 12.30pm) and Brooke Park Leisure Centre (1pm - 3pm); and on Thursday, April 25, in St Columbs Park (11am - 12.30pm) and Holy Family Chapel Car Park, Ballymagroarty (1pm - 3pm).