DOG owners in Worcestershire will soon be legally obliged to have their pets microchipped or face a potential fine of up to £500.

From Wednesday, April 6, 2016, dog owners must have their pets chipped and ensure registered address details are kept up to date under the new law affecting England, Wales and Scotland.

Owners who do not microchip their dogs within 21 days of being served a notice will be liable to pay a fine of up to £500.

Adrian Burder, CEO of Dogs Trust,said: "There are a number of ways for the public to find out all the information they need on microchipping.

"Updating a dog’s chip details has never been easier; you can do it online, by telephone or by post.

"Losing a dog is an extremely upsetting time for both dog and dog owner so we welcome the new legislation due to come into effect in April.

"In 2015 alone Dogs Trust has microchipped over 185,000 dogs for free across our network of Rehoming Centres and we’re still working tirelessly to ensure even more dogs are given these painless but essential pieces of technology before April."

To find out more information on microchip databases and how to update a microchip, please visit chipmydog.org.uk/update-your-dogs-chip.

For more information or to make a microchipping appointment please contact Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830 613 .