Roger Gale MP for North Thanet attended a reception at the House of Commons today which was hosted by the charity Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club following the 19th annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
 
Roger was there to help promote responsible dog ownership to his constituents and met with representatives of both organisations to discuss the importance of microchipping, training and picking up after your dog.
 
Roger Gale MP said:

“I was delighted to be able take part in this initiative.  As a dog owner myself I am aware of the great mental and physical health benefits that dog ownership can bring. Dog owners are proven to live longer and are less likely to visit their doctor. Owning a dog can also help alleviate loneliness and depression.

​

In promoting responsible dog ownership to old and young, we can ensure that our communities are better places to live. One of the biggest dog related complaints I often hear is about dog fouling, but although it is the small minority of irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up, it can tar the responsible majority.  Microchipping helps ensure that many more stray dogs are reunited with their owners each year thereby reducing both the number of dogs destroyed and the costs for Local Authorities.  Both Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club are calling on the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping and I fully support them in this campaign “

​