A CAMPAIGN has been launched to warn dog owners they could be breaking the law every time they take their pooch for a walk.

It has now been a year since new legislation came into force which made it compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped.

However, experts at the Dogs Trust believe scores of pet owners across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have failed to make sure their four-legged friends could be identified if they go missing.

Now the charity is urging people to make sure they stay within the law – and avoid the potential for a hefty fine of up to £500.

Alex Jackson, head of campaigns at Dogs Trust, said: “A good proportion of local councils are issuing notices to people who have not microchipped their dogs or updated their details, so we hope to see the total number of people complying with the law increase significantly over the next few years.

“It’s essential that, in addition to getting their dogs microchipped, the details on the database are up to date, to ensure they have the best possible chance of being reunited with their pet should they become lost.

“It’s also a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag displaying the owner’s name and address when out in public.”

Mr Jackson estimates that nearly 300 stray dogs remained unclaimed in local authority kennels in Scotland last year because they didn’t have up-to-date microchip details.

The Dogs Trust has also noticed a growing number of breeders either not microchipping their puppies at thee age of eight weeks or not registering their details on the microchip database, which is also compulsory.

It warns unsuspecting buyers are then getting puppies chipped, not realising they should already have a chip inserted and be registered to their breeder to ensure total traceability.