A CAMPAIGN to reduce the number of stray dogs on a town's streets has been hailed a success.

About 600 dogs have been chipped so far this year by wardens from Hartlepool Borough Council's environmental action team, who set themselves a target of 400 for the year 2003 to 2004.

The procedure involves inserting a tiny microchip, containing an unique identification number, under a dog's skin. The number and the owner's details are also stored on a computer database.

If a dog strays and is found on the streets, the chip can be scanned, hopefully resulting in the animal being quickly reunited with its owner.

Craig Thelwell, environmental action manager at the council, said: "The success of the microchipping campaign has exceeded all expectations and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us."

There will be two further chances for dog owners to have their pets microchipped this week when dog wardens will be at West View Community Centre, in Miers Avenue, Hartlepool.

They will be present between 10am and noon tomorrow and Thursday.

The microchipping service is free to anyone in receipt of benefits, including child benefit, and pensioners.

For everyone else, there is a charge of £9.50.

The environmental action team is running the scheme in partnership with the Dogs Trust, formerly the National Canine Defence League.