A GWENDRAETH Valley woman has been fined by magistrates for failing to clean up after her dog in the local park.
Sarah Jane Solomon, aged 38, of Heol-Y-Parc, Pontyberem, was ordered to pay a total of £160 by Carmarthen Magistrates Court.
She pleaded guilty to an offence under the Dogs (Fouling of Land Act) Act 1996.
The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in Pontyberem park on March 20 when they saw a woman fail to clean up her dog’s mess on a grass bank next to the children’s play area.
The officers picked up the dog mess themselves and then approached the woman and explained what they had seen.
She told officers she thought the dog was urinating. She agreed to accept a fixed penalty notice for the offence; however no payment was ever received.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “We have received numerous complaints from the community council about the amount of dog mess in the park.
“If the children fall into dog mess not only is it extremely unpleasant but there are serious health risks as well.
“This type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will not hesitate to fine those who fail to clean up after their pets.
Solomon was fined £55 and ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs as well as a £20 victim surcharge.
To report dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or complete the online form at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/dogfouling
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