Dog owners are being urged to update microchips

Three labradors and three spaniels were found on Bodmin Moor and later rehomed, said Cornwall Council

Dog owners in Cornwall have been urged to keep pets' microchip and ID tag details up to date after almost 500 dogs were reported as strays in 2024-25.

Cornwall Council said its stray dog service worked to trace owners and care for dogs until they could be returned or rehomed and, while most were reunited with owners, some were taken into council care.

Six dogs - three labradors and three springer spaniels - were found on Bodmin Moor in 2024 after being abandoned by owners and left unclaimed, it said.

Sarah-Jane Brown, group leader for community protection, said most strays were reunited quickly if details were current, which "makes it so much easier for us to trace their families".

The council said that the stray dog service rehomed about 60 dogs last year which were unidentifiable and left unclaimed.

They include the six dogs found on Bodmin Moor in September 2024.

Despite public appeals, owners could not be traced and it was believed the dogs, which were all reasonably healthy, were abandoned.

Thalia Marrington, council cabinet member with responsibility for community safety and public protection, said: "It's really important that people take responsibility for their pets and look after them properly.

"For anyone who is welcoming a furry friend to the family... make sure they are microchipped and wear an ID tag on their collar whenever away from home."