Leeds City Council has issued a cautionary notice to dog owners following the imposition of a £5000 fine on a Leeds resident. The fine was levied in connection with five violations of dog fouling and five violations of failing to keep the dog on a lead.
Angela Dunn, residing in Victoria Park Grove, Bramley, was sentenced in absentia at Leeds Magistrates Court last week. She was fined £5000 for ten offences and was additionally instructed to cover Leeds City Council’s legal costs amounting to £1968.00, along with a victim surcharge of £200.
Ms. Dunn found herself in court due to her non-cooperation with the council’s cleaner neighbourhoods team. She ignored a £100 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for the initial dog fouling offence. Upon the identification of subsequent offences and Ms. Dunn’s persistent lack of engagement with the council’s enforcement team, the decision was made to escalate the matter to Leeds Magistrates Court.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:
“Not picking up after a pet that fouls in a public area is completely irresponsible and inexcusable. Whilst we never want to have to resort to such measures, any dog owner who behaves in such a way can be assured that a fine will be issued if there is clear evidence they have broken the law.
“If a FPN is given, people should also be aware that we will take further action through the courts if the payment of a fine is ignored. As was the case here, this could result in a much larger financial penalty than what you have had to pay through a FPN.”
