FREE dog microchipping will take place in Cinderford on Wednesday, March 9 - a month before it becomes law for all dogs to be microchipped in England.

Hawthorn Pet Supplies in the Forest Vale Industrial Estate in Cinderford will be open between 12noon and 5pm.

The Forest of Dean District Council has been working in partnership with the Dogs Trust over the past two years to host free dog chipping roadshows to ensure that the majority of dogs in the district are chipped before it becomes law.

Cllr Terry Hale, Cabinet Member for the Community, said: “From April 6 2016 all dogs over eight-weeks-old in England must be microchipped. It generally costs around £20 to have a dog micro-chipped, but we’re hoping that these events will encourage anyone concerned about the cost to turn up and have their dog chipped for free, so they are not breaking the law when the legislation comes into force.”

Alex Myrie, Chair of the Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Group, added: "We deal with hundreds of dog-related issues every year. Compulsory microchipping will make it easier for us to return strays, deter theft and ultimately encourage responsible dog ownership."