THREE dog owners have been fined more than £900 for microchipping and fouling offences.

Jack Cunliffe, 20, of Fidler Street, West Park was found guilty in his absence at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 2 after failing to remove his dog’s faeces after a Dog Welfare and Enforcement Officer witnessed his Dog de Bourdeaux fouling outside St Helens Town Hall in March this year.

Cunliffe - who ran off when challenged by the officer, and provided false details when later apprehended - was fined a total of £375 for the offences.

Meanwhile, Pamela Williams of Stephenson Road, Newton-le-Willows was found guilty in her absence at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court the same day of failing to comply with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations.

The court heard how Williams was walking her male Shar-pei dog in Newton, when it was scanned for a microchip transponder by a Dog Welfare and Enforcement Officer.

The dog did have a microchip but it was not registered to Williams at her address, meaning it was not compliant with the legislation.

Williams was fined a total of £255.

Finally, 31-year- old Michael Duffy of Winter Grove, Parr pleaded guilty by post for not having a collar and identity tag on his Jack Russell when it was found straying, contrary to The Control of Dogs Order 1992.

He also failed to ensure that his pet was chipped, resulting him being hit with a fine totalling £280.

Cabinet member for green, smart and sustainable borough, Cllr Terry Shields, said: “What we have here are classic examples of irresponsible dog owners who are failing to take responsibility for their actions.

“Laws surrounding the ownership of dogs have been set for a reason and we will ensure that they are enforced to protect residents and to keep our streets clean from dog mess.

"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, and another event is planned for the end of this month, so there can be no excuses.

“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.”

St Helens Council has partnered with Dogs Trust to bring free microchipping, free nail clipping and free pet health checks to the borough, with an event on Wednesday, November 29 from 11am to 3pm at Derbyshire Hill Family Centre in Parr.

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