ALL kinds of dogs from tiny chihuahua puppies to labradors got an identity microchip at an event in Hatherleigh recently, thanks to a partnership between Dogs' Trust and West Devon Borough Council.

The animal welfare charity joined the council's Connect roadshow at Hatherleigh Market on Tuesday, December 3 to offer the free service.

Thirty three dogs were microchipped in around two and a half hours.

The quick and painless procedure was carried out by Lydia Gerrard, the Dogs Trust's South West microchipper, along with her colleague.

She said: 'I am really pleased with the response in Hatherleigh. It's one of the busiest market events I've attended in Devon.

'It was great to see so many people taking a responsible attitude to dog ownership by having their pets microchipped.'

It normally costs around £20 to have a dog microchipped and from 2016 it will be compulsory.

There is another opportunity to take advantage of the limited, free microchipping offer when Dogs' Trust joins the Connect roadshow again in Belstone Village Hall on today (Thursday) from 10am to noon.

Residents can also get a range of other free information and advice about public services and support agencies at the roadshow which regularly tours towns and villages in West Devon. For more information please visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk or http://www.chipmydog.org.uk">www.chipmydog.org.uk or call 01822 813600.