Hackney Council is to offfer free microchipping for dog owners at its animal welfare depot in a bid to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Each year almost 15,000 stray dogs arereported in London, with just over a third of those reunited with theirowners. Last year, microchipped dogs accounted for 47% of all dogsreunited with their owners.

The borough dog warden will continue to lend a hand microchipping dogs at other events in Hackney, including at Dogs Trust events around the borough.

Cllr Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services, said: "Losing a much-loved pet can be very upsetting for people."

"By microchipping yourpet you are increasing the chances of finding them if they ever did go missingand we would encourage everybody to take up this free offer ofhelp."

Hackney Homes tenants will also be able to benefit from this service following recent changes to their tenancy agreements which require residents to microchip their dogs.

Free sessions will run every Wednesday morning and must be booked in advance by calling 020 8356 6688.