A MAN has been fined £330 for failing to get his dog microchipped.

Mark Smith, 56, of Whitehall Street, Nelson, was summoned to Burnley Magistrates Court by Pendle Council after his dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, was found straying in Nelson on April 11.

Mr Smith was served a legal notice and was given 21 days to get his dog chipped.

On August 12, the same dog was found on its own in Nelson without a microchip.

Pendle Council issued proceedings against Mr Smith for failing to comply with the notice served.

Mr Smith failed to attend court on November 25 and was found guilty in his absence, resulting in a fine of £220 plus £80 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

David Alexander, Pendle Council’s senior environmental crime officer, said: “Mr Smith was given every opportunity under the new legislation to get his dog microchipped, but chose to ignore the issue.

“As a result he’s a hefty fine to pay for a service which the council has provided for free.

“We’ve held four free microchipping events in different parts of Pendle this year alone, thanks to support from the Dogs Trust.

“The service is also available at any registered vet for a small fee.

“We’ve publicised the new legislation both before and after the new law came into force.”