ROGER WILLIAMS MP URGES OWNERS TO MICROCHIP THEIR PETS

2.20.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Jun 2009

Roger Williams MP has called on all owners to ensure that their pet is microchipped as part of National Microchipping Month 2009, run by Petlog.

National Microchipping Month runs throughout June and aims to encourage and promote responsible pet ownership through microchipping as the preferred method of permanent pet identification. The scheme is run by Petlog, which is owned and managed by the Kennel Club, and has over 3.7m pets registered, with 40,000 new pets added to the database each month.

Last year Petlog handled nearly 100,000 calls relating to lost and found pets and reunited many animals with their owners. Petlog runs the only 24/7 pet reunification service in the UK from its dedicated call centre in Aylesbury, and is also a member of Europetnet, which ensures your pet can be identified if lost in over 20 European countries.

Caroline Kisko, Communications Director at the Kennel Club, said: "Throughout June, we aim to show more people than ever just how quick and easy the process of having your animal microchipped is. Deciding to have a pet is an important decision and one that results in a commitment to that pet for its entire life. An essential part of being a responsible pet owner is identifying them permanently."

Roger Williams MP for Brecon and Radnorshire said: "All pet owners should ensure their animals are microchipped as National Microchipping Month so rightly stresses. Petlog helps reunite a large number of missing pets with their owners, and I urge vets as well as pet owners to spread the word of just how vital microchipping is.

"It's very distressing for any owner to lose their beloved pet, but through microchipping it gives peace of mind that should they become separated, they can generally be easily reunited."

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

For further press information or interview requests please contact:

The Kennel Club Press Office

020 7518 1008

press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk

www.thekennelclub.org.uk

Notes:

· Petlog is the UK's largest pet reunification service and is owned and managed by the Kennel Club.

· Petlog holds the details of over 3.7 million animals and their owners and every month around 40,000 animals are added to the database.

· Petlog manages and operates the 24/7 central reunification telephone service.

· In 2008, the Petlog after care service line staff answered over 115,000 calls from vets, owners, animal wardens, animal welfare centres and police.

· In 2008 the 24/7 central reunification line staff answered over 97,000 calls in relation to lost and found pets.

· Petlog Premium membership is just £10 for the lifetime of your pet which will allow you to make any number of amendments without incurring any additional costs.