Dog owners fined

Dog owners who failed to clean up after their pooch had pooped were hit hard in the pocket during the latest round of court appearances.

Five owners became the latest people in the Borough to be punished by Magistrates for not paying fixed penalty fines.  The initial fines of £50 were given out to the owners 'on-the-spot' by the Council's dog wardens having been seen allowing their dog to foul in a public place, and then failing to clean up afterwards.

David Rowley of Etone Court, Upper Abbey Street, Nuneaton, failed to attend trial on 13 March 2012 after pleading not guilty at the original hearing on 30 January 2012.  The matter was proved in his absence and he received a fine of £175, victim's surcharge of £15 and costs of £250 - meaning a total fine £440.  The original offence was committed in Abbey Green Recreation Ground on the 1 August 2011.

The following all failed to attend court on 19 March 2012 and the matter was proved in their absence. Each received a fine of £100, victim's surcharge of £15 and costs of £388.40 - leaving each to pay out £503.40.

• Julie Ison - Lydgate Court, Coton Road, Nuneaton. Fixed penalty issued on 8 November 2011 at the Pingles playing fields
• Thomas Colquhoun - Tresillian Road, Exhall. Fixed penalty issued on 21 November 2011 at Heckley Recreation Ground
• Brian Sadler - Bridge Street, Nuneaton. Fixed penalty issued on 21 November 2011 at Pingles playing fields
• Dean Mitcham - Meadow Court, Meadow Street, Nuneaton. Fixed penalty issued on 12 December 2011 at Pool Bank Street Recreation Ground

The message from the Council is simple: clean up after your dog or you face punishment.  Whether that is an on-the-spot fine or appearance in court, either way you will be hit hard in the pocket.  You would be foolish not to show consideration for others by tidying up after your dog has fouled.

Councillor Bill Sheppard, Cabinet Member for Health and Environment