DOG owners who fail to pick up their pet’s poo have been warned they will face a fixed penalty notice or court action that could cost them dear.
That’s the message after Swansea Council prosecuted a resident who failed to pick up after his pet fouled the beach in Swansea Bay, setting him back more than £550 in fines and costs.
Leonardo Marotta, of Oystermouth Road, was walking his pet on the beach last November when the incident was spotted by an enforcement officer on patrol in the area.
He was issued with a £75 fixed penalty notice which Swansea Magistrates heard Mr Marotta refused to pay ‘on principle’. He pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court on September 1.
After reviewing video footage of the incident, magistrates convicted Mr Marotta of one charge of failing to remove his dog’s poo, contrary to Section 3 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land Act) 1996. He was fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £412.20.
In evidence to the court, Mr Marotta said that he had not seen that his dog had defecated until it was pointed out to him by the enforcement officer., He agreed it would have remained there had it not been brought to his attention.
Cllr David Hopkins, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation, said: “The people of Swansea have consistently called on the council to do something about those people who don’t pick up after their pets.
“Our message to those who refuse to do the right thing is that they could face a fixed penalty notice and if they refuse to pay up, we will take the matter to court.
“The fact is that dog mess is not just unsightly – it’s a health hazard and children playing on the beach or in the park are particularly at risk of picking up serious infections.
“The council provides 500 dog poo bins all across Swansea, including on Swansea Prom, so owners have no excuses.”
Over the last year the council’s #TidySwansea campaign has stepped up efforts to raise awareness of dog fouling and the potential for fixed penalties for owners who don’t comply with the law. Earlier this summer the council also increased patrols to enforce the summer season dog ban on some Swansea beaches.
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