A DOG owner has been hit with a fine of more than £500 for not updating his pet's microchip details.

Robert Rylance, 34, of Lansbury Avenue, Parr, was convicted in his absence at Merseyside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how Rylance's dog had been seized as a stray in May 2018.

Upon Rylance claiming the animal from the council's Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service, he was served with a notice requiring him to update the details of the microchip within 21 days.

Rylance failed to do so, despite also being served with a 'Final Opportunity to Comply' notice which gave him an extra seven days to meet the requirements of the legislation.

On Friday, December 7 Rylance was fined £110, and also made to pay costs of £386 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Welcoming the fine, the council’s cabinet member for better neighbourhoods, Cllr Lynn Clarke, said: “Before the microchipping law came into effect over two years ago now, dog owners were given enough notice about the change in legislation, and the council even carried out microchipping for free - so there can be no excuses.

“Well done to our Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service for pursuing this case which I hope will act as a costly reminder that we will always look to prosecute dog owners who fail to ensure their pet is registered at their home address.”