AN MP made new friends of the four-legged variety when he helped launch a dog microchipping campaign.

The Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, showcased its new website, chipmydog.org.uk, at the House of Commons in London this week.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson was one of the parliamentarians who supported the event, handing out free microchips to pet owners and their pooches.

Mr Wilson said: “I am supportive of the charity’s microchipping campaign and greatly welcomed the Government’s announcement on the introduction of compulsory microchipping for all dogs in England from April 2016.

“Compulsory microchipping will make it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners and cut unnecessary kennelling costs for local authorities.

“I urge my dog-owning constituents to get their canine companions microchipped and visit chipmydog.org.uk to find out more about this vital component of dog welfare before the new law comes into force”.

The website is described as a “one-stop-shop” for all microchipping queries, including: listings of free chipping events across the UK, advice on how to update microchip details, guidance on upcoming law changes in England and Wales and advice on what to do if you have lost or found a dog.