A five-day RSPCA blitz to offer free services, provide advice and check for animal cruelty at every house in Barton, Oxford, was starting today (Monday).

The area has been chosen as a pilot for a new RSPCA initiative, which aims to reduce ignorance and cruelty among pet owners by providing free treatment and advice.

Pet owners will be able to benefit from free flea treatment for their dogs and free microchip identification of their animals, making them easier to identify if they are stolen.

An RSPCA officer was also due to be manning a drop-in station between 9am and 6pm at Barton Community Centre.