Woman fined for failing to clean up after dog

A WOMAN has been fined for failing to clean up after her dog at a popular Gwendraeth Valley park.

The dog owner was issued with the fixed penalty notice for £75 at Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park near Tumble.

The council’s environmental enforcement officers were on patrol at the council-run attraction following complaints of owners not clearing up after their pets.

Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £1,000.

Dog fouling is one of the main causes of complaint from residents to Carmarthenshire County Council.

The council is working hard to tackle the problem of dog fouling and enforcement officers regularly carry out patrols across the county.

Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park is used for recreation and leisure by families as well as for walking dogs and it is only fair that people should be able to enjoy the park free of dog mess.

“Dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk; the council’s environmental enforcement officers regularly patrol the park and dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets will be issued with a fixed penalty.”

Complaints have been received by the council in relation to dog fouling at both Mynydd Mawr and Llyn Llech Owain Country Park in Gorslas and enforcement officers are now stepping up patrol at both locations.

Head of Leisure Ian Jones said: “We have litter bins at the parks but there is a minority of dog owners who do not use them. Some fail to clean up the mess and others pick it up but then throw the bags into the trees or bushes.

“We have received complaints from visitors and despite the signs reminding dog owners to be responsible the situation is not improving. We would appeal to dog owners to please clean up after their pets and think about others using the parks. We do not want people to get fined but if this is the only way of deterring offenders then we have no choice.”

If you have any information on dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.