DOG owners received expert advice and free microchipping and health checks for their pets during a community event in Ellesmere Port.

The event, organised by Dogs Trust in partnership with Sanctuary Housing, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire Police, took place at Whitby Hall, in Stanney Lane, as part of a wider campaign promoting responsible dog ownership.

Vets from Dogs Trust saw more than 20 dogs during the event, offering a free, on-the-spot microchipping service for those not yet chipped, a legal requirement since 2016.

Owners were also offered health and training advice and provided with responsible dog ownership packs, full of handy tips and useful resources.

Sanctuary has previously worked with Dogs Trust to organise a series of similar drop-in events in and around Chester.

Libbie Stock, Sanctuary’s youth engagement officer, said: “This was our first event of this type in Ellesmere Port and it was wonderful to meet so many local dog owners and their four-legged friends.

“We are committed to keeping our communities clean and pleasant places to live and encouraging responsible dog ownership has an important part to play in that.”

Michelle Moat, campaigns officer for Dogs Trust in the North of England, added: “Events like this really are vital in helping to spread the message about responsible dog ownership and the importance of microchipping.

“It’s great to have the support of residents and our partners in the local community.”

This initiative is part-funded by Sanctuary’s Community Investment Fund, supporting projects which benefit Sanctuary residents and their communities.