Council prosecutes dog owner over out-of-date dog microchip information
A prosecution by Northumberland County Council has seen a dog owner fined for failing to update his dog's microchip information.
In a statement detailing the prosecution, the council reminded dog owners that it is a legal requirement to microchip their dogs and ensure the details stored on the microchip are up to date or face prosecution and a fine.
In this case, the stray dog was found and handed to a veterinarian, where it became apparent that although the dog was microchipped, the information on the database was out of date, and the dog was registered to a previous keeper.
The council had already asked the dog owner to update the microchip details after the dog was found roaming the streets in a separate incident in October of last year.
The council subsequently served him with a notice to update the microchip details within 21 days, which he failed to do, putting him in breach of the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015.
The court handed him a £220 fine and awarded legal costs to the council of £100. He also had to pay a victim surcharge of £88.
The 2015 Regulations require all dogs over the age of 8 weeks in England to be fitted with a microchip.
Regulation 8(1) says: "From 6th April 2016, where a dog is transferred to a new keeper, the new keeper must, unless the previous keeper has already done so, record their full name, address and contact telephone number (if any) and any change in the dog's name with the database on which the dog's details."
Commenting on the prosecution, Cllr Colin Horncastle, cabinet member for community services, said: “Our Animal Welfare Team work hard to keep unsupervised animals off the street as stray animals can pose a danger to themselves and to others.
“When a dog goes missing it can be distressing for both the dog and their owner. Having your pet microchipped is quick and painless for them and increases the chances of you being reunited with your dog if they go missing."
Adam Carey
