A COUNCIL is taking the traditional message that a dog is not just for Christmas a step further.

In a bid to keep down the number of strays wandering the streets of Middlesbrough, the local authority is offering a free microchipping service to all dog owners in the town - and free neutering of pets in 15 areas of Middlesbrough.

Paul Robertson, environmental protection manager with the council, helped the authority pioneer embedding identification microchips.

His idea of placing photographs and descriptions of lost dogs on the Internet and display boards around the town has also led to a dramatic reduction in the number of strays found wandering, and unclaimed dogs destroyed.

As part of a renewed push, Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety and leisure, will dress as Father Christmas to distribute microchipping vouchers next to the town centre Christmas tree tomorrow.

Mr Robertson, said: "This is a great offer, and we want as many dog owners as possible to have their dog microchipped and neutered while they can.

"If you lose your dog or it strays, we can get it back to you quickly, and with the minimum of fuss using information on the microchip.''

Coun Coppinger said: "The first thing is that people should not be buying dogs as Christmas presents. They're not an impulse buy, they're a big responsibility and people need to think carefully before getting one.

"But if you already have a dog or have just got one, then you really should be microchipping and also neutering them - unless you definitely want to breed from them.''

To have your dog microchipped free of charge or to request free neutering, ring (01642) 726001.

* To qualifying for free neutering, dog owners must live in the following areas of Middlesbrough: Beckfield, Grove Hill, Thorntree, Beechwood, Hemlington, Berwick Hills, Brambles Farm, Easterside, North Ormesby, Pallister Park, Park End, Thorntree, West Middlesbrough, Town Centre, Town Farm