Forbes Shire Council had a free microchipping day at Nelson Park and staff had back-to-back appointments all day. 

Council Ranger Andrew Hubbard says permanently identifying your companion animal with a microchip is a requirement under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

“Unfortunately many people do not follow these laws, which results in many cats and dogs found straying not being able to be identified and returned to their owners,” Andrew said.

Forbes Shire Council received a grant to the hold microchipping days in a new initiative to reunite stray animals with their owners rather than be delivered to the council pound.

Friday was the first of three microchipping days, with the aim of microchipping 300 companion animals over the three separate events.

The next two microchipping days are expected to be held within the next three months.

Animals must be registered at or before six months of age.

More information on registering and microchipping your pets is available at forbes.nsw.gov.au