DURHAM dog owners are being offered free chipping for their pets to cut the number of stray animals that are put down.

In the past year, more than 380 dogs found roaming the city's streets were taken to the Deerness Kennels, at Langley Moor.

Of these, 264 were claimed by their owners or found new homes but the rest had to be put down. Until the end of this month, Durham City Council and the Kennel Club are giving vouchers to the city's dog owners to get identification micro-chips for their pets.

The tiny chips are implanted under the dog's skin and contain details of its owner so it can be returned if it is found.

The offer runs until the end of the month, which has been designated National Micro-chipping Month, and chipping takes place at the kennels.

"Durham City Council is offering vouchers that subsidise the cost of micro-chipping to any of its dog owning residents,'' said Neil Laws, contract manager in the council's environmental services department.

"Those who make use of the stray dog kennels for chipping will find that the voucher covers the total cost of chipping and the service is free.

"Furthermore, certain benefit holders can also receive subsidised neutering or spaying for their dog.''

Councillor Fraser Reynolds, cabinet member for environmental health services, said: "The city council has supported responsible dog ownership for many years and noted the environmental improvements and the success of our voucher schemes.

"Educating and supporting responsible dog owners alongside an appropriate level of enforcement will continue the progress made so far.''

For details about the scheme call 0191-301 8793 or 0191-301 8799. Anyone who has lost a dog or wants to give a home to a stray dog in the kennels can call 0191-378 0439