Dogs Trust Ballymena team celebrate a microchip milestone

The Ballymena based Dogs Trust Northern Irleand campaign team have reached a huge milestone after microchipping 1,000 dogs in just one year.
Dogs Trust Campaign Officer, Deirdre ONeill, who is based at the Ballymena Rehoming Centre.Dogs Trust Campaign Officer, Deirdre ONeill, who is based at the Ballymena Rehoming Centre.
Dogs Trust Campaign Officer, Deirdre ONeill, who is based at the Ballymena Rehoming Centre.

The team, which is located at Dogs Trust’s Rehoming Centre at Teeshan on the outskirts of Ballymena, operate a mobile microchipping unit and run events throughout Northern Ireland in a bid to ensure responsible dog ownership in local communities.

Northern Ireland was the first part of the UK to make microchipping compulsory for all dogs in 2012.

Dogs Trust Campaign Officer, Deirdre O’Neill, said: “This is a major landmark for Dogs Trust as microchipping, collar and tagging is proven to be the most effective way to reunite lost dogs with their owners.

“Our mobile microchipping unit is a great way of engaging with local communities to continue raising awareness of this legislation so that more dog owners come forward and ensure their dog can always be returned to them should they go missing.

“It’s important for Dogs Trust to provide the public with the tools and information they need to practice responsible dog ownership, whilst giving their pets the best possible life,” she added.

Deirdre continued; “It is important that we continue to raise awareness of microchipping, collar and tagging so that more dog owners come forward to ensure their dog can always be returned to them, should they go missing.

“Anyone who has ever lost their pet will agree it is very distressing and the worst part is not knowing where they are.”

Oonagh Phillips, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena said: “We are very proud of the campaigns team’s success and this achievement also supports our rehoming efforts too.

“It is important that families who adopt from us are aware of the requirement on their part to keep their new pet’s microchip details up-to-date throughout their dog’s life.”

Dogs Trust Ballymena is the only rehoming centre in Northern Ireland and is the smallest centre with 23 kennels which can house between 40-50 dogs and puppies.

The Centre has a dedicated and enthusiastic team of 11 centre staff, two maintenance staff and threecampaigns officers, a Education Officer and a Supporter Relations Officer.

Everyone who visits the centre and is looking for a dog is required to fill in a home finding questionnaire to help the staff match the correct dog to the home.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, please get in touch with Dogs Trust Ballymena on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/ballymena/