MAN IN COURT FOR DOG FOULING OFFENCE

A Carmarthen man has been prosecuted in court for failing to clean up after his dog in the grounds of the county museum in Abergwili.
Elfin Thomas, aged 55, of Cae Eithin, was convicted in absence at Carmarthen Magistrates Court to an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers were on routine patrol in the grounds of the museum on April 27 when their attention was drawn to Thomas who was walking two small dogs off the lead.
They saw that he failed to clean up after one of his dogs fouled on the grass by the side of the footpath.
The officers approached Thomas who said he had not seen the dog do it; the officers showed him the mess and he produced a bag and picked it up.
The officers explained that not seeing it was not an excuse and had they not approached him then the mess would not have been removed.
Thomas was issued with a fixed penalty notice; however he failed to pay it despite a reminder letter being sent to him.
He was fined £60 by magistrates plus £197.25 prosecution costs, a £150 court charge and a £20 victim surcharge.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “The museum is a local tourist attraction and a popular place for families and dog walkers. Dog fouling will not be tolerated and anyone caught will be fined.