Woman fined for failing to update dog's microchip details

Dog owners are being urged to ensure their pet’s microchips are up to date after a woman from South Oxhey was fined £800 by magistrates.

Three Rivers District Council prosecuted Paula Rogers, of Clitheroe Gardens, for failing to update her dog’s microchip details. She was served with a legal notice giving her 21 days to update the details held on the database. She failed to comply despite being given additional time to meet the requirements of the legislation.

Ms Rogers failed to attend court and on 21 July 2021 was found guilty in her absence, resulting in a fine of £300 plus £500 costs.

Cllr Phill Williams, Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Sustainability, at Three Rivers District Council, said: “Hopefully, this outcome will act as a reminder to dog owners to ensure that their pet is microchipped and that details on the chip are up-to-date, for we will not hesitate to prosecute those who fail to comply.”

By law, dogs in England must be microchipped by a qualified implanter before they are eight weeks old. Once the chip is fitted, the dog's details must be registered on a government-approved database which must be updated if circumstances change – for example, if the owner moves, changes telephone number or passes the dog to someone else.

For more information, owners are advised to speak to their vet.