Ludgershall dog owner prosecuted for failing to update microchip details
Seventh successful microchip records prosecution in Wiltshire
A dog owner from Ludgershall in Wiltshire has been fined after her dog was found wandering with incorrect microchip details and no name and address on its collar.
61-year-old Allison Prudence Collin, of Short Street, Ludgershall, was found guilty at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 27th October.
She was convicted of failing to ensure a dog wore a collar displaying the owner's name and address, and of failing to comply with a formal notice requiring the dog's microchip details to be updated.
Ms Collin did not attend the hearing and was found guilty in her absence.
She was fined £220 and ordered to pay £389.21 costs and an £88 victim surcharge.
Wiltshire Council, which brought the prosecution, said it is the seventh successful prosecution it has brought for failing to comply with legislation on dog microchip records.
How the case unfolded
The prosecution followed a case in April 2026, when a terrier-type dog was found wandering in the Short Street area of Ludgershall without an owner present.
The dog was taken to a local veterinary practice.
The council said the dog, named Cookie, was wearing a collar, but it did not display the owner's name and address as required by law.
The dog was scanned and found to be microchipped. However, the information recorded on the database was incorrect and the registered keeper could not be contacted.
The council's Dog Warden team collected Cookie and arranged temporary kennelling until ownership could be established.
The following day, Ms Collin collected Cookie from the council's holding kennels, provided proof of ownership and paid the required fees.
She was also served with a formal notice requiring the microchip details to be updated within 21 days.
The council said the Dog Warden team made further attempts to contact Ms Collin by letter, telephone and email, but the microchip details remained incorrect and prosecution proceedings were started.
Council reaction
Cllr Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said:
"Microchipping is one of the quickest and most effective ways of reuniting lost dogs with their owners, but it only works when the information recorded on the database is accurate and up to date.
"In this case, the dog's microchip details were incorrect and the legally required identification on the collar was missing, making it difficult to trace and contact the owner.
"Our officers provided multiple opportunities for the issue to be resolved, but the necessary action was not taken. When dogs aren't microchipped, our officers have to spend valuable time and resources resolving the issue.
"This is now the seventh successful prosecution brought by Wiltshire Council for failing to comply with legislation relating to dog microchip records. We hope it serves as a reminder that keeping a dog's identification details up to date is both a legal responsibility and an important way of helping lost pets return home safely."
What dog owners need to do
It is a legal requirement for dogs over eight weeks old to be microchipped and for keeper details to be kept up to date.
Dogs in public places must also wear a collar displaying the owner's name and address.
Owners can check or update their dog's details by contacting the database where the microchip is registered.
Information on approved databases is available on GOV.UK.
Anyone needing help updating their dog's microchip details can contact the council's Dog Warden Service at [email protected] .