A GIANT dog is coming to a free microchipping event in north Durham next week.

Dogcilla, the oversized mascot of Dogs Trust charity, will be visiting Consett on Monday as part of a national tour.

The four tonne, three metre high yellow dog will kick off the event at the home of Consett AFC, Belle View Stadium, from 11am until 3pm.

There will be free microchip implants for local dogs and charity representatives will be on hand to offer advice and promote responsible dog ownership.

Compulsory microchipping is becoming law in England, Wales and Scotland on April 6.

Paula Boyden, veterinary director at the Dogs Trust, said: “As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust is striving for the day when all dogs can be free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

“Microchipping is the most effective permanent way to assist in a lost dog being returned to their owner which in turn reduces the number of healthy dogs unnecessarily put to sleep.

“To ensure lost dogs have the best possible chance of being swiftly reunited with their families, it is imperative that owners ensure their dog always wears a collar and a tag displaying their contact details, and that they keep their microchip database details up to date.”