Dog owner fined for not clearing up her pet’s mess

A Ramsbottom woman has been ordered to pay fines and costs of £500 for not clearing up her dog’s mess.

Julia Jayne Heys (aged 46) was found guilty in her absence by Bury Magistrates Court of failing to remove dog faeces.

In April this year, Heys was issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice for allowing her dog to foul on public verges near her home in Lancaster Avenue.

She failed to pay the fixed penalty notice and was therefore prosecuted for the offence. She was ordered to pay a fine of £220, plus £250 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for strategic housing and support services, said: “Residents are angry about dog fouling, which is a disgusting problem but one that could be solved if all dog owners acted responsibly.

“This prosecution sends out a clear message to those who fail to clear up after their dogs that, if we catch you, we will take the necessary legal action. I would urge all dog owners to take disposal bags or ‘poop scoops’ when they walk their pets so that paths and green spaces are safe and clean for us all to enjoy.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 5 December 2016.