EFFORTS to keep track of dogs on Wearside have taken to the roads.

A rider on a bright yellow scooter is travelling the area, offering to microchip people's pets in their own homes.

The initiative is part of the National Canine Defence League's (NCDL) Give a Dog a Life Campaign being run in Sunderland with the help of City Health and Housing Services.

Painlessly implanting a microchip under a dog's skin provides it with an electronic form of identification that can track down its owner if it gets lost.

The NCDL roadshow is visiting venues throughout Sunderland in October and November, but those who cannot make it can have their pet microchipped at home.

Susan Goodchild, senior environmental health officer for Sunderland City Council, said: "The campaign is taking microchipping to those who may not be able to visit the unit, dog owners who may have mobility difficulties or be housebound.

"The door-to-door service will be at the usual price of £9.50 and free to those on means benefit or pension. There is no charge at all for the scooter to visit your home."

The scooter is driven by trained microchipper and NCDL canine carer Phil Nicholson. TV agony aunt Denise Robertson was with him for the launch of the scheme this week.

For more details about the roadshow or mobile service, contact the council on 0191-553 1705 or the NCDL on 0845 606 3036.