Council bares teeth in dog fouling row (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Council bares teeth in dog fouling row

2:30pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News

IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners are being threatened with court action if they don’t clear up after their pets.

The warning comes following three prosecutions by Tendring Council in recent weeks.
Environment boss Nick Turner said the issue of dog fouling was being taken very seriously and the council was prepared to take legal action if it had enough evidence to prosecute.

It will also take action against owners who allow their pets to cause a nuisance or antisocial behaviour issues.

Mr Turner said: “I want to make it abundantly clear to all that dog owners need to act responsibly and if they don’t we are ready to step in.

“We simply will not tolerate dog fouling or owners allowing their dogs to make other people’s lives a misery.

“It is in everyone’s interest that we as the responsible authority do our best to clamp down on this minority and if we have to take them to court we will.”

In the latest prosecution last week a man who admitted leaving dog mess in his Clacton garden was conditionally discharged and ordered to pay £350 costs.

He admitted six charges of failing to comply with an abatement notice to clear up the mess.

The council has also prosecuted owners who let their dogs run loose without a collar and tag.

One owner was found guilty in their absence and fined £110 with £200 costs. Another owner admitted the charge and was fined £200 with £250 costs.

Mr Turner added: “These three recent prosecutions show that we do take action – and get results through the courts – and we will continue to do so.”