Llanelli Man Allowed Dog To Foul

A Llanelli man has been fined £200 for allowing his dog to foul a back lane in the town.

Carmarthen Magistrates found Philip Thomas guilty of the offence when he failed to attend court and was convicted in his absence.

Rhian Young, prosecuting for Carmarthenshire County Council, said that on Monday September 15 last year an environmental enforcement officer was on duty patrolling the rear lanes of Swansea Road/James Street, Llanelli, when he saw a man walking a large black dog. The dog squatted in the lane and defecated. Once the dog had finished the man made no attempt to clear the faeces and instead continued walking along the lane.

The officer explained to Mr Thomas that he had watched his dog foul and that he had made no attempt to clear his dog’s faeces. Mr Thomas said that his dog had already fouled and that he had no more bags. He was told it was no excuse.

He was issued with a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay and was prosecuted.

Thirty six-year-old Mr Thomas, of Swansea Road, Llanelli, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £241.11 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Most dog owners are responsible and pick up after their pets; however, there is a small minority who do not and we will not hesitate to fine them.

“One of the main reasons people do not clean up after their dog is because they think there isn’t a council officer watching; but if the message gets out that the general public can take direct action to report offences, dog owners are far more likely to behave responsibly.”

To report dog fouling visit i-Local or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.