MP chips in to help Blue Cross microchip Tower Hamlets dogs for free

MP Jim Fitzpatrick lent his support to Blue Cross as we microchipped almost 40 dogs for free in Tower Hamlets.

We microchipped 38 dogs and scanned a further 10 whose details needed updating, at the free community event on Saturday 23 January, organised in association with Poplar HARCA.

Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, said: “Keeping our community safe and improving the welfare of our pets are two really important issues and by working on both we are really helping to make a difference to our community in Tower Hamlets.”

Dog owner Jodie Wilkinson and her family brought their staffie Ash along to be microchipped.

Jodie said: “I think it’s brilliant. Now I know we’ll get Ash back if she ever goes missing.”

Microchipping becomes a legal requirement for dogs from April this year. The small chips can be easily scanned if a dog goes missing and greatly increase the chances of missing pets being reunited with their owners. Owners who don’t get their dogs chipped and registered in time face a fine of up to £500.

Blue Cross and Poplar HARCA have been working together to promote responsible pet ownership in Tower Hamlets across a number of projects. Last year, Blue Cross Education Officer, Marion Jones, reached over 1,300 children and young people at schools, youth groups, and also parents at English as a second language classes.

Marion said: “Working in cooperation with an organisation like Poplar HARCA has been a fantastic way for us to reach a wider range of people to talk about responsible pet ownership. 

“This partnership has given us a great opportunity to engage with all different parts of the community to provide information that is directly relevant to them.”