Three residents have been fined by Leicester Magistrates’ Court after failing to ensure their dogs were wearing an identifiable tag after being picked up as a stray.
The Control of Dogs Order (1992) says that a dog in a public place must wear a collar or bearing the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag.Under the law Blaby District Council has no option to offer a fixed penalty notice, with all cases being prosecuted at a Magistrates’ Court.
The German Shepherd of John Ashmore was picked up as a stray on Seine Lane, Enderby.
Mr Ashmore, of Desford Road, Enderby, pleaded guilty to the offence and was given a conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £140 in costs and to pay a £20 victim surcharge.
Kay Merry of Earl Smith Close, Whetstone, was ordered to pay £225 after her Collie was found on Attfield Drive, Whetstone as a stray.
She entered a guilty plea and was fined £53, ordered to pay £140 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
Brian McFarlane of Queens Road, Blaby had his Staffordshire Bull Terrier picked up as a stray at the Texaco Petrol Station on Lutterworth Road, Blaby. He entered a plea of not guilty but did not attend court. Mr McFarlane’s case was proven in absence and he was found guilty. He was fined £320 and ordered to pay £40 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Regulatory Services, said: “We want to reiterate how important it is for dogs to have an identifiable collar or tag when out in a public area. Complying with the law means you are likely to get your dog back much quicker and not picked up by us as a stray.
“We know that dogs can sometimes accidentally get out into a public area unattended, and we hope these fines continue to raise awareness and ensure that in any scenario a dog that can easily be identified can be returned quickly.”
For advice on the law, residents can email the Senior Animal Services Officer via environmental.health@blaby.gov.uk.