Warning to check microchip details or face fine

It became compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped in April 2016

Cat and dog owners have been warned to microchip their pets, and make sure the details are correct, or risk facing a fine worth hundreds of pounds.

It comes after Violet Cooper, from Dilton Marsh in Westbury, Wiltshire, was fined nearly £850 for failing to update the details on the database of her dog's microchip.

Juliet, her chow chow-type dog, was found by a member of the public in August 2024. Considered a stray, it was taken to a local vets to await collection by Wiltshire Council's Dog Warden team.

Ms Cooper, 38, soon arrived in search of her dog and was issued with a notice requiring her to update the microchip details within 21 days, but she failed to do so.

'Costly reminder'

Last week she was found guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court of failing to comply with the notice and was fined £220, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Costs of £539.59 awarded to Wiltshire Council, along with a victim surcharge of £88, brought the total in fines to £847.59.

It became compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped in April 2016, and for cats in 2023.

Councillor Paul Sample of Wiltshire Council said: "Microchipping a cat or dog is a permanent way of identifying your pet if they get lost or stolen.

"If your pet goes missing, our officers can scan the microchip and get them home safely.

"Hopefully, this outcome will act as a costly reminder to all dog or cat owners to ensure that their pet is microchipped and that details on the chip are up-to-date.

"We will not hesitate to prosecute those who fail to comply."