SUNDERLAND dog lovers are being given the chance to have their pets electronically tagged for free or at reduced cost.

The National Canine Defence League (NCDL) and Sunderland City Council are running a two-month campaign to promote responsible dog ownership in a bid to reduce the number of strays.

It aims to encourage the owners to get their dogs painlessly fitted with a microchip linked to a national computer database containing their details.

The idea is that dogs can be more quickly reunited with their owners if they go missing and are picked up by dog wardens.

Denise Gilgallon, the NCDL's North-East campaign officer, said: "We acknowledge that Sunderland has a problem with stray dogs, but by working in partnership with the council we hope we can address this problem.''

Bob Bowman, director of the council's health and housing department, said: "Microchipping is an innovative way to keep track of a family pet.

"Once a dog is chipped they can be easily identified if they have strayed or gone missing and it means we can trace the owner straight away.''

A microchipping roadshow is touring the city throughout this month and next.

Dog owners can take their pets along to be microchipped for only £9.50, or for free if they are pensioners or on means-tested benefit.

The first roadshow was held yesterday at Sunderland Fooball Club's Stadium of Light.

A full list of venues can be obtained by telephoning the NCDL Hotline on (0845) 6063036.