Dog fouling prosecution

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is sending out a strong message to people who allow their dogs to foul in public - 'If we catch you, you'll pay', as a dog owner was fined £60 for failing to clear up after his pet.

At Leamington Magistrates' Court Allan Maxwell, of Bidford-on-Avon pleaded guilty to the charges relating to contravention of the Dog Control Order (Stratford District Council) 2009, as he allowed his dog to defecate on designated land, and failed to remove the faeces from the land to which the Order applies.

Mr Maxwell was fined £60 as he was unemployed and the Court ordered him to pay a contribution to the District Council's costs of £150.

Sophie Peacock, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Dog Warden says: “It is in the interest of public safety that we tackle the issue of dog fouling and send out clear messages that if caught you will be fined.  Dog faeces gives risk to infections, including toxocariasis which can in more severe cases can lead to blindness. 

“This case should highlight people's awareness for the need to clear up after their dogs. It is disappointing that still too many people fail to clear up.  It is a social responsibility for dog owners to clear up after their pets. It is now the law of the land that owners must clear up after their dogs in public places and Stratford District Council urges all dog owners to continue complying with the Law."

This is the District Council's second successful prosecution.

The District Council has issued a total of 8 fixed penalty notices.