A total of 79 dogs were microchipped free in the first event of its kind staged by Thanet District Council and The Dogs Trust.

It took place at Dalby Square, Cliftonville, and was a great success with pets and owners attending from all over Thanet.

There will be a second session on Monday, October 21, at Government Acre, Ramsgate, from 10am-4pm to enable dog owners to comply with new laws.

Owners must have their dogs microchipped by April 2016 to cut the number of strays on the streets. They could face fines of up to £500 if they fail to comply.

The Dogs Trust have set aside funds for microchipping, which normally costs £20-£30.

Microchipping takes seconds and involves the microchip, a small electronic device the size of a grain of rice being inserted under the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades.

Each microchip is coded with a unique number that can be read by a scanner.

Local authorities, the police, dog wardens and vets will all have scanners. Any dog that is found straying or reported for dangerous behaviour can then be traced to the owner. After 2016, if the authorities come across a dog that does not have a microchip, the owner will be required to have it chipped urgently or face a fine.

The Dogs Trust microchipping team Hamish Morrin and Jade Spiro do four microchip operate around the South East.

Mr Morrin said the response in Thanet had been “a fantastic result”. He added: “Hopefully that is going to really increase the chance of those dogs being reunited with their owners if they get lost or separated.”

Cllr Michelle Fenner said: “We are proud to be working with The Dogs Trust on these worthwhile events, free to Thanet residents.

“Helping to work towards the April 2016 deadline is a step in the right direction.

“This year, the council has picked up 115 strays so we are hoping that this number will decrease once more dogs are microchipped.”

In the UK between April 2011-March 2012, recorded that 118,932 strays were picked up. Of these 55,898 were returned to their owners (7,098 were microchipped) and 6,900 were put to sleep (1,924 had behavioural problems).