Hackney Council is offering free microchipping for dog owners in a bid to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Each year almost 15,000 stray dogs are reported in London and only a third are returned home.

Now thanks to the charity Dogs Trust which is providing free microchips, the borough dog warden will microchip dogs every Wednesday morning at the animal welfare services depot in Millfields Road, Lower Clapton.

Recent changes to tenancy agreements mean Hackney Homes’ tenants must microchip their dogs.

Microchipping must be booked in advance by calling 020 8356 6688.

Microchipping works by implanting a numbered chip underneath the skin between the animal’s shoulder blades which can be read by a scanner.