Dog owner fined during Poop Scoop Week

A DOG owner has been fined £75 for failing to clean up after her pet during a ‘Poop Scoop Week’ event in Pendine.

The 48-year-old woman from Llanelli was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 by the council’s environmental enforcement officers.

They were on patrol in the area at the time of the incident which happened at the mini golf course near the Museum of Speed where children were playing.

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

The incident occurred during a National Poop Scoop Week 2011 event to raise awareness on dog fouling and its consequences.

The council’s ‘poop scoop’ team were in the village with information and advice and free poop bags.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “The council is determined to stop the problem of dog fouling and improve the environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire.

“By taking part in National Poop Scoop Week we are reminding dog owners of their responsibilities and the consequences of not cleaning up after their pet.

“Dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk and can cause epilepsy, asthma and even blindness. This type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and those caught breaking the law in this way will be prosecuted.”

The ‘poop scoop’ team were also out and about in Llanelli’s Millennium Coastal Park and Llansteffan during the week. The aim was to encourage dog owners to help clean up our public spaces.

Dog mess can be disposed of in any public litter bin (not just litter bins specifically for dog mess) but people are encouraged to please double bag it.

National Poop Scoop Week is run by the Dogs Trust and supported locally by Carmarthenshire County Council and Tidy Towns.

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

*On the same day a 41-year–old woman was also issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 for throwing litter. She was seen by environmental enforcement officers throwing a cigarette end onto the ground near the Museum of Speed. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of £2,500.