A woman who allowed her dog to defecate in the gardens of a sheltered housing complex has been convicted in her absence at the Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court in Ilkeston, following a prosecution by Amber Valley Borough Council.
Heather Meakin, of Firs Gardens in Alfreton, was ordered to pay a fine of £100 and costs of £75, payable in full within 28 days.
On 21 August 2007 Ms Meakin was walking her dog in Firs Gardens, Alfreton. A dog warden employed by Amber Valley Borough Council, who was on duty patrolling Firs Gardens, saw the dog defecate in the mowed and maintained grass. The defendant was standing facing the dog and afterwards walked away, making no attempt to remove the faeces.
Louise Hall, Central Business Support Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council said, “The dog warden approached the defendant and explained that she had just observed her commit an offence by failing to remove the faeces defecated by her dog. She then cautioned her. Following the caution the defendant gave what later proved to be a false name and address, before walking away leaving the faeces behind. Further enquiries revealed that the person cautioned by the dog warden was in fact Heather Meakin, and she was staying with a resident of Firs Gardens.
“We realise that most dog owners do clean up after their dogs, and it is only the actions of a small minority that cause problems in the Borough. Dog fouling is unpleasant, unsightly, and can be a significant health risk; and for these reasons we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to foul in public areas.”
Ends.
For more information please contact Lisa Garnham, PR and Communications Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council, on 01773 841655.
Notes for editors
Firs Gardens at Alfreton, Derbyshire is a sheltered housing complex. The land is designated, by Amber Valley Borough Council, under Section 2 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. There are several clearly visible signs displayed prohibiting dog fouling throughout the area.