Trowbridge man fined for failing to update dog's microchip
Wiltshire Council says it made the successful prosecution after repeated reminders and opportunities
A 45-year-old from Trowbridge has been fined for failing to update his dog’s microchip details and not ensuring it wore a proper collar in public.
Gareth Powell pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court for both offences and received a fine of £116 per offence, along with costs of £506.84 and a victim surcharge of £92.
The issue came to light in November 2025 when Powell's German Shepherd, Hexa Vom Arapol, was found wandering in Castle Place, Trowbridge.
The dog was scanned and found to have microchip details registered to a previous owner.
Additionally, Hexa did not wear a collar displaying Powell's contact information.
After providing proof of keepership and paying the release fees, Powell reunited with his dog.
Though Wiltshire Council issued a microchip improvement notice requesting Powell update the dog's chip details within 21 days, the records remained inaccurate despite multiple communications.
Cllr Paul Sample emphasised that updating microchip details is not only a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership.
“Microchipping is not just a legal requirement, it’s a basic responsibility of pet ownership," Sample said.
"We’d given Mr Powell every opportunity to comply, but instead he chose to ignore the issue."
He added that the council would prosecute those failing to adhere to pet ownership laws.
For those finding a stray dog, Wiltshire Council can be contacted at 0300 456 0107 during business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Reports can also be filed online at any time via the Wiltshire Council website.