Pontllanfraith resident taken to court for dog fouling offence

A Pontllanfraith woman has been ordered to pay £340 after she failed to pay a dog fouling fine.

Louise Dennison of Millbrook Road, Pontllanfraith, was taken to court following the non-payment of a fixed penalty notice for £75, issued to her on February 7 this year for allowing her dog to foul and then failing to pick it up at Springfield Park in Pontllanfraith.

Having failed to pay the fine the case was taken to court and it was heard at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 18.

Dennison failed to attend and the case was proven in her absence. She was found guilty of the offence contrary to the Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 and fined £200. She was also ordered to pay costs of £120 and a £20 victim surcharge.

Cllr David Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: “This kind of behaviour shows a complete lack of common decency and a disregard for the welfare of users of our parks and playing fields. There is no excuse for allowing a dog to foul on public land and then fail to pick it up, and those responsible will face consequences for their actions.”

He added: “Where non-payment of a fixed penalty notice occurs, we pursue the matter through the courts without exception. I hope that enforcement actions such as this one demonstrate to the very small minority that failing to take their environmental responsibilities seriously can cost them dearly.”