HUNDREDS of East Hampshire dog owners can get their pets microchipped for free this month.

New laws say all dogs over the age of eight weeks need to be microchipped by April 6.

East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) animal welfare service is offering dog owners the chance to have the procedure done for free.

Officers will be at the district council’s office on Cross and Pillory Lane in Alton from 10am to 1pm next Wednesday, January 20.

Natasha Watson, an EHDC animal welfare officer, said: “Microchipping is all part of caring for your dog responsibly and will also soon be a legal requirement.

“Microchipped animals are much easier to identify and have a much better chance of being returned to their rightful owner if they are ever lost.

“Come to see us in Alton and we will happily explain the process and microchip your dog for free.”

The microchipping process sees a tiny computer chip implanted into the dog. The process takes seconds and the animal feels no discomfort or ill effects, according to the district council dog warden.

The chip, which is encased in a strong bio-compatible glass and small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle, has a unique identification number programmed into it.

The ID number can be read with a special scanner and will identify your pet throughout its life. This identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

If a dog is not microchipped by April 6, the owner will have 21 days to ensure that it is or face a fine of up to £500, added Natasha.