A community micro-chipping day in Grafton at the weekend smashed records for attendance and was described as a roaring success,with 30 animals chipped on the day. The event was the third of its kind this year for the Clarence Valley Council Animal Pound and stood out from previous community micro-chipping days by involving local Riverbank Animal Hospital who provided free vaccines and follow-ups for animals chipped on the day and Kim Cooney’s Rabbit Rescue. Clarence Valley Council environment, planning and community director,Des Schroder,said the community micro-chipping days were just one of the ways the council was aiming to reduce euthanasia rates within the Pound. Other measures include the free release of animals meeting certain conditions and Facebook publicity. Mr Schroder said the number of pets micro chipped was double the previous record and a great sign people were recognising the benefits of having their animals identifiable. “If a pet is micro-chipped and the details of the owners are up to date, in most cases we can have a pet returned to their owner within 24 hours,” he said. “That can help reduce stress on the animals and their owners and, if it’s the first time they’ve been to the Pound and they meet some other criteria, we will return them to their owners free.” Mr Schroder said the next community micro-chipping day would be in September and was anticipated to be bigger and better as it would have more exhibitors, demonstrations, competitions, and an off-leash doggie social. Clarence Valley groomers, trainers and rescue groups are encouraged to contact council for involvement on the day.