NICK SHOWS HIS SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL MICROCHIPPING MONTH

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth Nick Ramsay teamed up with the Kennel Club and Petlog this week to urge all pet owners to have their animals microchipped as part of National Microchipping Month 2010, which takes place throughout June.

National Microchipping Month aims to encourage and promote responsible pet ownership through microchipping as the preferred method of permanent pet identification.

To support the campaign, Nick met with representatives from the Kennel Club to talk about the importance of microchipping. He was also presented with a large cheque, displaying the astonishing £419,564 that Welsh local authorities could save each year on kennelling costs if dogs were microchipped and could be returned home more easily.

Speaking at the event, Nick commented: "Microchipping is a huge part of being a responsible dog owner. Not only can it mean the difference between being reunited with a lost pet or never seeing them again, but it could also save our local authority hundreds of thousands of pounds each year. I therefore urge both vets and pet owners to spread the word of just how vital microchipping is."

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club's Communications Director, said: "The importance of having your beloved pet microchipped cannot be underestimated, and throughout June we aim to show more people than ever just how quick and easy the process is. We are grateful to X for helping to highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and microchipping as the preferred method of identification."

Petlog will be running further events throughout June to promote National Microchipping Month - to find out more information or to get involved visit www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk