THREE dog owners have been fined more than £1,800 between them after being convicted under microchipping legislation.

The residents were found guilty in their absence at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court of separate offences in relation to failing to have a microchip transponder in a dog, as prescribed by the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015.

A further offence of not displaying a tag with owner details inscribed was also considered.

Joanne Thompson of Borough Road, St Helens, was found to have not had her Jack Russell type dog microchipped in line with legislation and failed to ensure ownership details were visible on the dog.

Meanwhile, the court heard Jason Jones of Queens Drive, Newton-le-Willows, repeatedly allowed his

Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog to stray with incorrect details registered on a microchip - and failed to display ownership details on the dog collar.

And an imported Daschund type dog belonging to Richard Delnik of Ravenstone Drive, Sutton, which was found wondering without the tag had not had its microchip transponder registered on a British database.

Each owner was hit with a total fine of £609, broken down into £220 for non-compliance with the current microchip legislation, a further £220 for not displaying a tag with ownership details on, a £44 victim surcharge and an additional £125 in costs.

Following the convictions, St Helens Council cabinet member for green, smart and sustainable borough, Cllr Terry Shields said: “Dog owners were given enough notice prior to April 2016 when it became compulsory by law for all dogs to be microchipped. Free microchipping was even carried out by the council for free for 12 months before the introduction date, so there can be no excuses.

“Our Dog Welfare and Enforcement team has the right to check any dog to ensure the dog walker is complying with the requirements of the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015.

“If dogs are found unregistered to the address at which they live, or unchipped at all, then an offence has been committed and the owner will be liable for a hefty fine.”

To check and update a pet's chip details go to check-a-chip.co.uk or visit any veterinary practice.