LEADING Carmarthenshire councillors are disappointed with the fine imposed by magistrates for a dog fouling offence.
Leighton Dean Harries, aged 36, of Emma Street, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
He was fined just £45 by Carmarthen magistrates and ordered to pay £60 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
This is much less than the £75 fixed penalty notice that can be issued by council environmental enforcement officers.
It was also the second time the offender had been caught by officers for failing to clean up after his dog.
Council Leader Kevin Madge said: “The council has made dog fouling a key priority and we are putting a lot of resources into catching offenders.
“I am particularly disappointed with the fine given by magistrates on this occasion; not only is it less than a fixed penalty notice but this was a repeat offender.”
The court heard that on November 5 last year council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol when they saw a man walking his dog on the grassed area of Penyfan Park.
The dog was on a lead and defecated twice on the grass, but the owner failed to clean it up and carried on walking.
The officers approached the man and recognised him as someone they had dealt with previously. It was explained that because he had been issued with a fixed penalty notice previously, on this occasion he would be reported for summons in a magistrates court.
When asked why he had not cleaned up the mess, Harries said he did not have bags on him, although he usually carried them.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “This is the second time this individual has been caught by officers and I believe he should have received a much larger fine. It does not make sense and it sends out the wrong message.
“However, we will continue to patrol the county and anyone caught will be fined or dealt with in court.
“We know from the complaints we get, that this is a concern for residents and we are committed to cleaning up Carmarthenshire.”
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