Woman prosecuted for dog fouling offence

A LLANELLI woman has been prosecuted in court for a dog fouling offence.

Kay Anita Williams, aged 39, of Nantydd Terrace, pleaded guilty by post to an offence under the Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 at Carmarthen Magistrates Court.

The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.

The court heard that on August 6 last year council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in Dafen pond when they saw a woman fail to clean up after her dog.

The officers explained to the woman what they had seen and that it was an offence. She said she didn’t see the dog do it.

She was issued with a fixed penalty notice and asked to pick up the dog’s mess in case a child fell in it, which she did.

However; Williams failed to pay it, despite being sent a reminder letter, and was prosecuted in court as a result.

She was fined and ordered to pay prosecution costs totalling £271.87 by magistrates as well as a £15 victim surcharge.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said he hoped the case would act as a warning to others.

He added: “Dog mess left anywhere can be a serious health risk and we will not hesitate to fine people who fail to clean up after their pets.

“We would also like to remind residents that there is no defence in saying that they did not see their dog fouling; if they are in charge of the dog it is their responsibility to make sure they clean up after it.”

Residents can help the council catch offenders by reporting dog fouling incidents in their area.

To report dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or complete the online form at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/dogfouling