DOG lovers are being urged to protect their pets by getting them chipped.

Wychavon District Council said if a dog has a microchip fitted and it is lost, stolen, or has run away, it can be easily identified by one of more than 3,000 scanners placed with rescue centres, vets, dog wardens and the police all over the country.

The microchip, which carries a unique identification number, is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the dog's skin, usually in the neck. It is a simple procedure, similar to having a normal injection, and once inserted the microchip cannot move or be seen. The cost of having a dog chipped is £9.50, but is free to elderly people and those on benefits.

Pip Singleton, Wychavon's dog warden, said: "Many dogs are lost or stolen each year, and this can be extremely stressful both for the animal and its owner. Chipping a dog is the most effective and secure way of making sure it can be identified and returned home safely."

With the help of the Dogs Trust, four chipping events will be held at: * Droitwich Contact Centre, High Street, from 10am to 12pm, on Tuesday, April 24.

* Pershore Civic Centre, Elizabeth Drive, from 10am to 12pm, Tuesday, June 19.

* Worcester Woods Country Park and Countryside Centre from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday, July 24.

* Evesham Corporation Mead-ow from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday, August 7.

For more information, contact Wychavon council on 01386 565015.