Plymouth woman prosecuted under new microchipping laws

A Plymouth woman who failed to comply with the new law to have her dog microchipped has been ordered to pay £450 at Plymouth Magistrates court today.

Rosalyn Harding, of Kings Tamerton Road was served a notice on 30 September last year under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, requiring her dog to have its microchip updated with the owners details, after her dog was found straying at Marine Academy School.

Mrs Harding had 21 days to comply with this notice. It was found after a check was made by Council Officers in October, on the Petlog microchip database that she had not updated the details correctly and was prosecuted for failing to comply with the notice that was issued in September.

60 year old Harding did not attend court today and the case was found proven in her absence. Deputy District Judge Russell fined her a total of £450 including £200 in costs and £30 victim surcharge.

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.

Councillor Dave Downie Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities said:  "It is such a shame we had to go to these lengths to seek prosecution in this case, 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 is microchipped and the details on the chip are up to date.”

Nicola Horne, Environmental Protection Service Manager said: “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. 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.