‘It’s pretty rank, especially when the weather gets warmer’
A dog owner has been fined more than £750 for allowing their pet to poo in their own garden.
The resident, who has not been named, ignored four notices from Durham County Council to clean up the mess after complaints from neighbours, and was then taken to court.
After residents first complained, the owner was served with a Community Protection Warning in October.
They were given a week to clear the mess up, but no action was taken when council officials inspected the property in Stanley, County Durham.
The resident was then prosecuted after failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice for failing to remove waste from their property.
The defendant did not attend court on 19 April, but the case was proven in absence and a fine and costs of £754 was issued.
One neighbour said: “I don’t know the person involved but I know the neighbours have been getting fed-up with the smell and having to look at it all the time.
“It’s pretty rank, especially when the weather gets warmer. You can only imagine how bad the stench will be.
“I think everyone’s pretty happy that the council have taken action.” Another said: “If you keep pets then you have to clean up after them but at least all the mess is in their own yard and not left on the paths were kids can step in it.”
The Neighbourhood Warden received a further complaint on 2 February about dog poo and rubbish in the garden.
A breach letter was sent to the resident and a further statement was submitted for court.
Ian Hoult, council neighbourhood protection manager, said: “The build-up of mess in the yard was not only unsightly, but was becoming a health risk, specifically for children in the area which is unacceptable.”
Hoult said the council receives almost 4,000 reports a year about untidy yards and gardens “that are having a negative impact on our communities”.
He said people subject to complaints are always given the opportunity to rectify the problem, but if it persists, “we will take action against those who don’t”.
The resident has until May 17 to pay the fine or will face further legal action.
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