While we are (were) on the subject of dogs. There is a press release from Lewisham Council:

Free dog micro-chipping : Saturday 11 October 2008

To mark the launch of BARK - Borough Action for Responsible K9?s ? a free dog micro-chipping and information event is being held on Saturday 11 October.

BARK aims to encourage dog ownership in the borough and is a joint project organised by Lewisham Council, the RSPCA and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.

The numbers of stray dogs being reported continues to rise each year. One way of finding a lost four-legged friend more quickly and easily is to have it microchipped. Microchipping is a safe, permanent form of ID that can help to reunite owners with their dogs should they become lost or stolen.

The microchipping session is on Saturday, 11 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at:

Wearside Service Centre
Wearside Road
Lewisham
SE13 7EZ

Pre-booking for micro-chipping is essential. It is not possible to safely accommodate large numbers of dogs and their owners in one space at the same time. Dog owners wanting to bring their dogs along must call 020 8314 2098 for an appointment.