Dog owners fined for dog fouling offences

TWO dog owners have been fined in separate incidents for dog fouling offences along the Millennium Coastal Path.

Environmental Enforcement Officers were on patrol on bicycles along the Coastal path in Llanelli when they saw a woman with a dog on a lead. The dog defecated on the grass verge and the woman failed to clear up her dog’s mess. She was issued with a £75 fine.

In a separate incident officers were patrolling on the Millennium Coastal Path in Burry Port when they saw a woman fail to clean up her dog’s mess. She was issued with a £75 fine.

If the fines are not paid both women could be prosecuted in court where the maximum fine is £1,000.

Council Executive Board member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “It is a shame that a minority of irresponsible dog owners are spoiling it for other people. As well as being very unpleasant if you step in it, the health risks can be extremely serious.

“Dog fouling is one of the main causes of complaint to the council but we need the help of the public to help us catch those responsible.”

County Executive Board Member for Leisure Services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We welcome dogs to the MCP and Pembrey Country Park but expect their owners to act entirely responsibly and pick up after their pets to help ensure the enjoyment of all.

“There are daily examples of dog owners throwing bags into shrubbery after picking up and even kicking sand over foulings. If there is no bin convenient for disposal the message is take the litter home, with the dog.”

Enforcement officers carry out patrols across the county but they cannot be everywhere at once and this is where the public can help by reporting incidents as part of the ‘Dog Watch’ scheme.

Call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or complete the online form at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk