All dogs in Malta need to be microchipped by law as of June 1.

For this aim animal charities Dogs Trust and the SPCA are joining forces to help owners by offering free microchipping for dogs belonging to people on benefits, farmers, hunters and factory dog carers between May 25 and June 30.

The NGOs said in a statement they were making the offer following evidence that some owners were abandoning their dogs because of the cost of microchipping.

Over the last week alone the SPCA took in seven extra dogs without microchips, which were now being rehabilitated before looking for a new home.

Dogs Trust Malta campaigns manager Sarah De Cesare said the trust supported the compulsory microchipping of dogs and it wanted to help owners comply with the new law.

"Our hope it that by offering free microchipping for the next five weeks, we will help prevent the unnecessary dumping of dogs by owners who cannot afford to microchip them. Microchipping is a one off cost with huge benefits, including reuniting owners with their dogs should they stray."

She said that the trust's commitment to Maltese dog owners would continue after the new law came into effect and it would continue to offer free neutering for dogs whose owners were on benefits, farmers, hunters or factory dogs.

SPCA manager Miriam Casha said it was always heartbreaking to see dogs abandoned and left to roam the streets and fend for themselves.

"We would urge people never to dump a dog in desperation. We hope this generous offer from Dogs Trust will help dog owners."

Animal Welfare co-ordinator Janice Chetcuti said that todate, 23,000 dogs have been microchipped, a large amount since the legislation was first made public. A total 9,000 dogs were chipped for free by Dogs Trust in the past three years.

For more information about the offer call Dogs Trust on 2142 1500 or 777 111 00.