Dog owners have been reminded of the importance of microchipping their pets after an owner was fined £550.
Dog owners are required by law to ensure their pets are microchipped and that the contact and address details registered to the chip are correct.
Lindsey Gardiner of Astwood Avenue, Hull, was fined at Hull Magistrates Court on Friday December 2, after her Labrador dog strayed and was taken to a local vets by a member of the public where the micro chip was found to contain an incorrect address.
Failure to comply with a 21 day notice served on Ms Gardiner by Hull City Council to amend the incorrect details resulted in action being taken.
Helen Foulston, Animal Welfare Supervisor, said:
“This case is a reminder to all dog owners to not only get their pets microchipped, but to make sure their details are up-to-date. Failing to update an address makes it much harder for a missing dog to be returned and, as this case shows, can be a very expensive mistake. While it can be easy to forget or overlook changing the details on a microchip it’s a very quick and easy process which will save owners the potential heartache of a missing pet and the inconvenience of a court fine.
“Fortunately for Ms Gardiner, she got her dog back, but she now has a large fine to pay. Owners who want to get their pets microchipped or want to make sure their chip has the right details can contact the Animal wardens on 01482 300 300. Home visits to micro chip dogs can be arranged at the cost of £15 per dog. Alternatively, most veterinary surgeons offer micro chipping services at a reasonable cost.
“I would also urge anyone buying a puppy to ensure that it has already been microchipped. This is now required by law and is something all responsible dog breeders will do as a matter of course”.
Ms Gardiner was convicted in her absence at Hull Magistrates Court on Friday December 2, under regulations 12 and 13 of the Microchipping Act 2015. She was fined £500 plus a victim surcharge of £50.
The costs awarded were £350.
