Across the week in which the new compulsory microchipping law came into force – stating all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must be chipped with up to date details by 6 April – Battersea Dogs & Cats Home chipped 343 dogs in local communities across London. The charity’s Community Engagement volunteers worked alongside staff to carry out this vital work, as part of the Home’s volunteering and fostering programme supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Across six days, Battersea hosted seven events across Hounslow and Bexley. The 343 dogs chipped across the events came in all shapes and sizes, with Battersea’s Senior Community Engagement Officer Lisa Nugent noting an impressive mix of breeds stopping by Battersea’s Community Engagement van. “As well as the usual suspects of Jack Russell Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Chihuahuas, we also chipped a Chinese Crested, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, a Dalmatian and a St. Bernard. With the exception of the Chinese Crested, this was the first time I had microchipped any of these breeds at an event (and I’ve been doing them for several years)!”
Battersea’s Head of Volunteering, Charlotte Fielder, said: “These chip and tag events are so important to ensure we are microchipping where it matters most, and could not happen without the support of our dedicated Community Engagement volunteers. We strive to ensure that our volunteers are involved in all aspects of our work. Our Community Engagement volunteers typically attend two events or talks per month and make such a difference in delivering our key messages and promoting responsible pet ownership.”
A £200,000 award in funding from the generous players of People’s Postcode Lottery is helping to fund the Home’s volunteering and fostering programme. The funding will help to cover the cost of recruitment, training, uniform, insurance and expenses for each of the Home’s 1,200 active volunteers, which includes 49 Community Engagement volunteers.