Local Assembly Members Paul Davies and Angela Burns have embraced National Microchipping Month 2012 at the Senedd this week by supporting the benefits of microchipping and responsible ownership of pets. The event aimed to publicise the benefits of microchips on behalf of animals and owners alike.

Microchipping is an inexpensive and efficient form of pet identification and aids in maintaining a detailed database which can prove integral when reuniting a lost pet with their owner. Once found, a missing pet can easily be identified and traced to its owner proving invaluable.

Whilst meeting with the Kennel Club and Microchipping Alliance, Mr Davies commented, "A registered database that promotes a notion of safety is integral to pet owners peace of mind. The ease of microchipping is a very attractive and successful method of pet assurance and I welcome any efforts that benefit pet lovers across Wales. Given the vast expanse of geography in Pembrokeshire, microchipping will undoubtedly be effective in finding lost pets and promoting confidence and responsibility among pet owners."

Angela Burns, Assembly Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire added, "Our old Labrador wandered off, became confused and disappeared for a number of frantic hours. He was found by the milk man but it could've ended so differently. We microchipped our young terrier straight away and its reassuring to know that if the worst happens, you are in with a better chance of finding your pet."

Caroline Kiski, the Kennel Club's Communication Director said, "National Microchipping Month aims to highlight to the public the benefits of microchipping. The importance of microchipping your pet as well as registering and updating your details are crucial in the reunification process and should form a key part of any legislative proposal."

"We are grateful to Paul Davies and Angela Burns for helping to highlight the importance of microchipping and the need to update your details. This method of permanent identification is an essential element in being a responsible pet owner."

The Kennel Club is working as part of the Microchipping Alliance to campaign for microchipping to be made compulsory for all dogs throughout the UK. The group is collectively promoting the benefits of microchipping and is urging all the UK governments to recognise the importance of this issue.

Petlog will be running events throughout June to promote National Microchipping Months – To find out more information or to get involved, visit www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk