SWINDON North MP Justin Tomlinson joined the Kennel Club and Dog Theft Action at Crufts this weekend to present microchip scanners to two Rhodesian Ridgeback welfare organisations.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Trust and the Midlands & Northern Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Rescue were recognised for their ongoing work in promoting responsible ownership of their breed.

Mr Tomlinson said: “As a dog lover and owner myself, it is my pleasure to present scanners to these organisations in recognition of the tremendous and often unnoticed work carried out by breed rescue organisations.

“Both offer education and advice about these beautiful dogs and provide an outstanding rescue service.

I hope these scanners will go some way to helping them to continue their great work.”

The Dog Theft Action Scanner Appeal, supported by the Kennel Club, aims to encourage the use of microchip scanners nationwide by donating scanners to deserving organisations. Scanning all dogs for microchips can avoid distress to dogs and owners and save time and valuable funds, ensuring that no stolen dog is offered for rehoming.