First dog walker fined for fouling

11.04.17am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Apr 2007

IN the first case of its kind in the borough, a dog walker has been fined for failing to clear up his pet's mess under tough new rules launched by Richmond Council this month.

A street scene enforcement officer spotted the man allowing his dog to foul the pavement in White Hart Lane, East Sheen, last Thursday. He approached the man, took his name and address, and told him that he would be issued with a fixed penalty notice under the Council's new Dog Control Orders. The maximum fine is £80, although this first offender paid a £50 penalty as he settled within 10 days of the notice being issued. Had he not paid the fine, the Council would have prosecuted. Offenders who do not pay risk magistrate court fines of up to £1,000 plus costs.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

"Dog fouling will not be tolerated in this borough. The orders apply on all public land including parks, streets, towpaths and pavements and I hope this serves as a warning to the few persistent offenders. Dog mess is not only unsightly, it is also a serious health hazard. The new orders have been widely publicised and are now being strictly enforced as we work to put a stop to this unpleasant, anti-social behaviour by an irresponsible minority."