DOGS Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, welcomed Gwent AM William Graham to a microchipping event on March 19.

The event, held at Bettapets in Newport, saw residents bring their dogs along to take advantage of the free microchipping service on offer.

More than 50 dogs were chipped, and Dogs Trust representatives were also on hand to offer advice and answer queries about responsible dog ownership, reminding owners of the importance of keeping their microchip database details up to date.

With microchipping set to become compulsory for all dogs in Wales in 2015, roving teams of Dogs Trust representatives are touring the county in a bid to help promote responsible dog ownership and educate the public on the benefits of compulsory microchipping.

Mr Graham was able to talk to members of his constituency and discuss their views on the issue while learning just how vital compulsory microchipping is in reuniting stray dogs with their owners, deterring dog theft and as a measure to reduce puppy farming.

He said: “I was delighted to be invited to attend this microchipping event. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the work of Dogs Trust and to learn just how significant microchipping can be in helping return lost or stray dogs.”