Launching Fermanagh District Council's free dog micro-chipping roadshow from left to right: Francie Gilleece, Fermanagh District Council Licensing Officer; Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O'Reilly; and Enniskillen resident, Clare Graham, with her pet dog Betsy, a dog rehomed from Fermanagh District Council dog pound.
Dog owners in the county can have their dogs microchipped for free at a series of special Fermanagh District Council roadshow events taking place across Fermanagh in March.
Launching at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen, on Wednesday 7th March, free microchipping sessions, in partnership with Dogs Trust, will also take place in Irvinestown, Lisnaskea and Garrison throughout the month.
Robert Cranston, Fermanagh District Council Dog Warden, will be on hand at the events to implant a microchip, equivalent to the size of a grain of rice, under the dog’s skin using a specially designed device.
Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, explains microchipping is the most effective way of reuniting lost or stolen dogs with their rightful owners and reducing the number of stray dogs.
“Each microchip is coded with a unique number that is linked to a computer database containing owner’s details. Once an animal is microchipped, a local dog warden or vet can scan lost or stolen dogs to trace their owners.”
New legislation, being introduced in April 2012, means only dogs that are microchipped can be issued with a dog licence.
The Chairman encourages Fermanagh dog owners to attend one of the events if their pet has yet to be microchipped.
“From 1 April a dog without a microchip cannot be issued with a licence. Dog owners are then liable to a £75.00fine, for having an unlicensed dog, so I’d encourage people to come along to the roadshow to take advantage of this free service which usually costs up to £30.00.”
The roadshow is just one of a number of initiatives the Council has planned to encourage responsible dog ownership in the county with future activity shining the spotlight on dog fouling, stray dogs, licensing and serving fixed penalties where these issues are identified.
The free microchipping roadshow is visiting the following venues from 11am-4pm:
- Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen, 7 March
- Castle Park Centre, Lisnaskea, 14 March
- Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown, 21 March
The roadshow’s final stop is at The Rusheen, Garrison, 28 March from 11.30am – 3.30pm.
All sessions operate on a drop in basis. For further information please contact Fermanagh District Council Environmental Health team by email on envhealth@fermanagh.gov.uk or telephone 028 6632 1805.
If you are unable to attend one of the roadshow events, veterinary practices across Fermanagh also offer free microchipping for dogs.
