DOG owners in Cumnock and Doon Valley are being urged to microchip their pets one year after the compulsory microchipping law came into force.

One in 10 dogs are still unchipped and Cumnock and Doon Valley residents are among some 60,000 that haven’t microchipped their pets.

Over 4,000 lost dogs were reunited with their owners in 2015-16 with 10 per cent of those as a direct result of a microchip.

Almost 250 stray and abandoned dogs couldn’t be reunited with their owners last year simply because they weren’t chipped or didn’t have up-to-date details.

Alex Jackson, Head of Campaigns at Dogs Trust said: “While we will continue to work hard to make sure the remaining dog owners in Cumnock and Doon Valley get their dog chipped, we are pleased that the law is working well with 95 per cent of the nation’s dogs now chipped.

“A good proportion of local councils are issuing notices to people who have not microchipped their dogs or updated their details, so we hope to see the total number of people complying with the law increase significantly over the next few years.

“It’s essential that in addition to getting their dogs microchipped, the details on the database are up-to-date, to ensure they have the best possible chance of being reunited with their pet should they become lost. It’s also a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag displaying the owner’s name and address when out in public.

“Our #doggyreunion campaign aims to educate owners about the importance of these simple acts, which can make all the difference when it comes to being reunited with your dog, should they become lost.”

All dogs over eight weeks should be microchipped after the law was introduced on April 6 2016. Over 2,700 enforcement notices to owners to either update their details or get their dog chipped have been issued.

The average fine issued to dog owners was £340, with the maximum penalty recorded as £500.

Alex added: “It’s not just owners that need to be mindful of the law, breeders and potential buyers of puppies must ensure they comply with the legislation, which states that all puppies over the age of 8 weeks should be microchipped and registered to their breeder. We encourage anyone buying a puppy to ensure they are aware of the requirements.”