Dog walker fined for not microchipping Jack Russell

A dog owner has been landed with a fine and costs of £626 after failing to respond to an order from Sefton Council to get her dog microchipped

Leighanne Inglis, of Tulketh Street, South- port, did not appear for her case at Sefton Magistrates Court on February 13 but magis- trates agreed to hear the case in her absence.

Naomi Hosker, prosecuting on behalf of Sefton Council, said that Inglis had been served with a notice on May 4 of last year to get her dog microchipped within 21 days.
Miss Hosker said that the dog owner failed to do so and as there is no fixed penalty available for the offence, Ms Inglis was summoned to court. “Despite being warned of a court hearing no contact has been made by the defendant,” she said.

After the magistrates found the case proven, the legal advisor said that as Inglis had failed to make contact the magistrates should assume her income is £440 per week and fine her accordingly.
The magistrates fined her £440 and ordered that she pay costs and victim surcharge of £186.