VILLAGE pet owners are to be offered help looking after their dogs during an advice day to be held next week.

Social landlord Derwentside Homes has organised a free advice day aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership in the village of Catchgate.

Residents can get their dogs micro-chipped for free at the session on the Harperley Gardens Estate on Wednesday (July 16) between 11am and 3pm.

Staff from Derwentside Homes, as well as police, community wardens and local councillors, will be on hand to explain issues around dog ownership, owner responsibilities and the laws and regulations affecting people who own dogs.

Leaflets designed by pupils from Catchgate Primary School encouraging owners to clean up after their dog will be handed out and there will be free ‘dog poop’ bags available.

Donna Walker, Community Involvement and Investment Officer at Derwentside Homes, said: “During a recent ‘week in action’ in Catchgate, and walkabouts on the estate by youth wardens, issues such as dog fouling and stray animals have been identified as a particular problem locally. It can cause distress and worry to people - especially those with children and can affect people’s quality of life.

“With this event, we hope to raise awareness among dog owners of their responsibilities, and legal obligations, and to encourage more responsible dog ownership on the estate.”