Abergavenny man fined £550 for falling foul of dog mess law

An Abergavenny man has been given a heavy fine of £550 for allowing his dog to foul a public grassed area and not clearing up after it.

Abergavenny Magistrates were told that Monmouthshire County Council environmental health officers issued Robert Archer with a fixed penalty notice for the offence in June 2008.

Despite many opportunities to avoid a criminal record, he didn't pay the £75 fine.

Mr Archer, who did not turn up in court, was found guilty and fined £350 plus £200 legal costs.  He was prosecuted for a similar offence in 2007.

Huw Owen, MCC's Specialist Environment Health Officer, said:

"We follow up every case of dog fouling so there is no point trying to avoid the fine.  I hope this shows people that turning a blind eye to their dog's mess could cost them dearly."

Councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member for environmental health, said:

"There is no excuse for this kind of offence; people know their responsibilities when it comes to cleaning up after their dogs. 

"People should be aware that they could be bringing dog mess into their homes, and children and elderly people could be coming into contact with it which presents obvious health issues. I hope that the few irresponsible dog owners don't cause the responsible ones to be tarred with the same brush on this issue."