A dog owner from South Oxhey has been fined hundreds of pounds for not updating her pet’s microchip details.

Paula Rogers, of Clitheroe Gardens, was served with a legal notice giving her 21 days to update the details held on the database.

But she failed to comply despite being given additional time to meet the requirements of the legislation.

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.

Three Rivers District Council prosecuted Ms Rogers but she failed to attend court on July 21.                     

She was found guilty by magistrates in her absence, resulting in a fine of £300 plus £500 costs.

The council is now urging dog owners to ensure their pet’s microchips are up to date.

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.”