Dogs Trust Ballymena celebrates change in dog legislation

DOGS Trust Ballymena is celebrating the introduction of compulsory microchipping in Northern Ireland.

It marked the occasion on Monday with a handmade doggie friendly cake to show their support for the change in legislation.

Ronnie Milsop, Dogs Trust Campaigns Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “The legislation represents a significant step forward for dog welfare and responsible dog ownership and we have been delighted that over 67,000 dog owners in Northern Ireland have taken advantage of our offer of a free microchip.”

Since May 2011 Dogs Trust has run hundreds of microchipping roadshows, trained members of Jollyes staff on how to microchip and worked closely with numerous veterinary practices and Local Authorities across Northern Ireland. One of the most recent dogs to be microchipped was Shih Tzu Stewie who belongs to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle O’Neill.

Said Ronnie: “To have the support of everyone from the DARD Minister to dog owners across the country has been amazing and we are so proud that people have got behind the change in legislation. Whilst the changes will take immediate effect we will continue to be touring the country with our chipping van offering free chips for dogs of all shapes and sizes.”

Contact your local council to find out which vets in your area are providing free microchips or make an appointment with any Jollyes store, as all 11 have members of staff trained to microchip dogs. To find out where your nearest store is visit www.jollyes.co.uk.