Press release

31 January 2019

Dogs invited to Dogs Trust event

Dogs and their owners are invited to an event in Lerwick next week, led by national dog welfare charity The Dogs Trust.

The drop in workshop is part of the Trust’s nationwide Community Events programme and will offer free basic health check for dogs by a veterinary nurse, as well as practical advice on owning a dog. Free on-the-spot microchipping is also available, for any dogs that aren’t yet microchipped since it became a legal requirement in April 2016.

Poster (PDF file, 0.4Mb)

All breeds of dogs are welcome, whether a pup or an adult – although puppies under six months old must be fully vaccinated and proof of vaccinations brought along to the event.

Shetland Islands Council’s Environmental Health team is supporting the event, as part of their partnership with The Dogs Trust, who are working with local authorities across the country to promote increased dog welfare and responsible dog ownership.

The Council will be promoting the work of the Dogs Trust in future, including continuing to take action against dog fouling, increasing awareness of the need to microchip dogs, and during the summer months, supporting the ‘Dogs die in hot cars’ campaign. Council staff have recently installed poo bag dispensers in a number of locations, and ‘bag it and bin it’ leaflets will also be distributed around the isles.

Patti Dinsdale, Team Leader – Environmental Health said: “We’re really pleased to be working with The Dogs Trust to share positive messages about dog ownership. Shetland has many responsible dog owners who care for their dogs and we hope this free drop in session will appeal to them.”

The drop-in event by the Dog Trust will take place the Staney Hill Hall, Lerwick on Tuesday 5th February, from 11am to 3pm.