A Stone man who failed to clean up after his dog when it fouled on a football pitch at Westbridge Park has been handed a bill of nearly £500.
Magistrates heard Nigel Green let his black Labrador off its lead in Westbridge Park and it was then seen defecating on the grass behind one of the goalposts.
Simon Turner, prosecuting for Stafford Borough Council, said: “The man did not pick up the faeces, he carried on walking with the dog towards the park exit.”
Mr Turner said the council’s enforcement officer then issued Mr Green with a fixed penalty notice for £75. The court was told that despite being issued with a reminder letter a month later he failed to pay.
Mr Turner added: “He was subsequently served with a court summons in July although 10 days later the council received a payment of £70 – £5 less than the amount required.”
Mr Green, 47, of Newcastle Road, did not attend court to face the charge under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act in January. He was found guilty by Stafford magistrates in his absence and was fined £100, ordered to pay £380 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
The borough council launched a high profile campaign earlier this year warning inconsiderate dog owners they would be fined if they failed to clean up after their pets. The council introduced dawn and evening patrols as part of the campaign and received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public – including many from responsible dog owners – with information of fouling hot spots and culprits.
After the case on Wednesday 29th August, Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for environment and health at the council, said: “We had an excellent response from the public – especially responsible dog owners – to help us clamp down on this disgusting environmental crime. Not only is it unpleasant but as we have seen in the case of a little girl in Manchester it can result in very serious and life changing illness.
“I hope the amount this man will have to pay will serve as a warning to all other irresponsible dog owners that if you let your pet foul and don’t clean it up we will not hesitate to take action. All you have to do is bag up the mess and put it in to a rubbish bin.”
Details on reporting dog fouling can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/dogs or call 01785 619402.
