Trowbridge dog owner fined for failing to update pet's microchip
Gareth Powell pleads guilty to neglecting legal requirements for dog ownership
A man from Trowbridge has been fined over £800 after admitting two offences related to dog ownership.
Gareth Powell, 45-year-old failed to update his dog's microchip details despite repeated reminders from Wiltshire Council.
The legal case was resolved at Salisbury Magistrates Court, where Powell pleaded guilty to not updating his dog's microchip information and failing to ensure that the dog wore a collar displaying his name and address in public
Powell was fined £116 for each of his offences, with additional costs of £506.84 payable to Wiltshire Council and a victim surcharge of £92.
Legal obligations for pet owners
The law requires pet owners in England, Scotland, and Wales to microchip their cats and dogs and keep the information up to date.
Failure to update microchip details can lead to prosecution and fines.
Microchipping aids in reuniting lost pets with their families, deters theft, and helps authorities and vets contact owners in emergencies.
Incorrect or outdated microchip details mean a pet is not legally considered microchipped, so owners must update records when moving house or changing contact information.
Dog owners must also ensure their pet wears a collar with their name and address displayed when in a public area, either on the collar itself or a tag.
Case details
In November 2025, a German Shepherd dog was discovered straying in Trowbridge's Castle Place.
Upon scanning, it was found that the microchip data registered to a previous owner and the dog was not wearing a collar with the current owner's details.
Wiltshire Council's Dog Warden team collected the dog, Hexa Vom Arapol, and later reunited her with Powell once he provided proof of keepership and paid the release fees.
Powell was issued a microchip improvement notice that required him to update the dog's microchip information within 21 days.
Despite the council's multiple attempts to communicate, including letters, emails, and phone calls, Powell did not update the details.
Cllr Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, emphasised that microchipping is a fundamental part of pet ownership.
"We'd given Mr Powell every opportunity to comply, but instead he chose to ignore the issue," Sample said.
"The law is clear; pet owners must ensure their microchip details are accurate and up to date. We will not hesitate to prosecute those who fail to comply."
If you find a stray dog, Wiltshire Council advises contacting them on 0300 456 0107 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Stray dogs can also be reported online 24 hours a day at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/lost-found-dogs.