Wiltshire Council has prosecuted a third dog owner over their breach of microchip law.
Violet Cooper’s Chow Chow-type dog named Juliet was found alone in Penleigh, Westbury, in August 2024 – and was taken to a veterinary practice.
She was wearing a pink collar but with no identification tag. A microchip was located in the dog, but no owner details were registered on any approved database.
With no way to trace the owner, the vet contacted Wiltshire Council’s dog warden, who arrived to collect the dog as a stray.
Cooper arrived at the same time, claiming ownership of the dog. She provided her details to the warden, and was allowed to take the dog home.
She was served with a notice requiring her to update Juliet’s microchip records within 21 days, but failed to comply. The information remains incorrect.
As a result, 38-year-old Cooper, of Fairhaven, Dilton Marsh, was charged with failing to add her details, an offence under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations.
She failed to appear at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Thursday (22 May) – and was found guilty in her absence.
The defendant was fined £220 and ordered to pay £539.59 in costs, along with an £88 victim surcharge.
In April, two others were in court for the same offence. In separate cases, 39-year-old Charlotte Gumm and 40-year-old Nathan Ashton were prosecuted for failing to update their respective dogs’ microchips.
Cllr Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Waste, Climate Emergency and Environment, 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.
“Ms Cooper has been given lots of opportunities to update the information on her dog’s microchip and comply with the law but chose to ignore the issue.
“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.”
Wiltshire Council is urging pet owners to update microchip details when moving home or changing phone numbers. Outdated or incorrect records mean a pet is not legally considered microchipped.
Stray dogs can be reported to Wiltshire Council 24 hours a day on 0300 4560107.
