Dog owners are being warned that they need to get their pets microchipped and registered by Wednesday (April 6).

The Government has introduced the new law with makes it mandatory for all dogs over the age of eight weeks to be fitted with a microchip, which holds information about the dog and its owners.

If owners don’t adhere to the law, they will be issued with a notice giving them 21 days to get their dog microchipped, and if they fail to do so, could face a £500 fine.

The new law is to help protect dogs that become lost or stolen and tackle vicious or illegal dogs.

Councillor Susan Barker, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “It costs taxpayers and charities millions of pounds a year to deal with lost and stray dogs so this new law will not only reduce costs but will reunite dogs with their owners more quickly.

“We would therefore encourage all owners to ensure that their pet is microchipped and that the details are kept up to date.”

Last month, Uttlesford District Council ran a campaign to encourage responsible dog ownership and held microchipping sessions in Saffron Walden, Thaxted, Dunmow and Stansted, in partnership with Mercer and Hughes vets, which saw 130 dogs microchipped.