EFFORTS are being made to reunite two dogs with their owners in time for the New Year.

The pets, a German shepherd and a Staffordshire bull terrier, were taken to Wilson's Veterinary Surgery, in Tenter Street, Bishop Auckland, last week.

They both have micro-chipped identification but so far attempts to trace their owners have failed.

Veterinary nurse Penny Blacklock said: "People really must make sure that they register their dogs after being chipped, and make sure the appropriate paperwork is sent off if they do move addresses so that we can trace owners."

It is believed Sabre, the German shepherd, was involved in a road accident.

He was taken by Bishop Auckland police to the surgery, with cuts and bruises on his hind legs, on Saturday, December 21.

The dog's last known address was The Avenue, Chester-le-Street.

Max, the brindle terrier, was found in Newton Aycliffe on Friday.

Although he had been chipped, the dog's owners had not registered their address.

Both dogs are good-natured and have been well looked after.

Veterinary staff believe the dogs' owners could be searching for them but have not been able to contact the right people over Christmas.

Anyone with information about the dogs' owners are asked to telephone the veterinary surgery on (01388) 602707.