Plymouth dog owners fined after failing to comply with microchipping law

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 20:44

Two Plymouth dog owners who failed to comply with the new law to have his dog microchipped, has been ordered to pay a total of £1,321 at Plymouth Magistrates court today.

Stuart Hayes of Kensington Road, Mutley was found guilty of failure to comply with a notice to require microchipping and permitting a dog to be in a public place without the correct identification on his dog’s collar or id tag.  Mr Hayes did not attend court, nor had he submitted any plea in absence. The court proceeded to hear the case in his absence, being satisfied that he had been served with the summons. They found him guilty of both charges. The imposed a fine of £660 for the more serious offence of permitting a dog to be in a public place without the correct identification on its collar /id tag. He was ordered to pay a contribution towards the prosecution costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £66, totalling £926.

David Bartlett of Biddick Drive admitted his dog was found wandering in a public place without the correct identification recorded on either a collar or tag, when collected as a stray.  Mr Bartlett had pleaded guilty by post and offered some mitigation. He was fined £260 ( reduced from £400) for an early guilty plea and ordered to pay a contribution to prosecution costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £30, totalling £395.

In April 2016 it became the law for every dog owner in England to ensure their pet has been chipped, and that registered details are kept up-to-date. It has always been a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and tag with identification of the owners name and address and preferably the telephone number, whilst in a public place.

Councillor Dave Downie Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities said: "These court cases could have been avoided simply by the owners making sure their dogs were wearing a collar and tag, were chipped and the details were up to date. The last thing we want to do is prosecute dog owners but it is the law and we must enforce it. So my message to other dog owners is please, if you have a dog make sure it has a collar and tag, is microchipped and the details on the chip are up to date.”

Nicola Horne, Environmental Protection Service Manager said: “It has been a requirement for your dog to wear a collar and tag whilst on a highway or in a public place for some time. The law now requires you to have your dog chipped, and to keep those details up to date. If the worst does happen and your dog gets lost, it is more likely to be returned quickly to you if it is chipped and wears a collar and tag. We would much rather you claim your pet as soon as possible to avoid additional kennelling fees.”

To check your dog’s micro-chip details you need the chip number which you can get by having your dog scanned at your local vets, and then checking with the relevant company on line.

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